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Can Tho Captain Banks Earns Medal for Heroic Grenade Throw
Capt. Charles J. Banks of Holland, Mich., saved his platoon's lives by covering a Viet Cong grenade with his body after spotting it near fuel tankers at Can Tho. He then threw the blast away, preventing greater destruction and earning him a Bronze Star and consideration for the Medal of Honor. Banks, 36, commands the 2nd Platoon of the 13th Aviation Battalion’s 221st Company and flies a spotter plane over southern South Vietnam. He recalls the December 21 event with mixed awe and resolve as his wife awaits a baby in Fort Lewis, Washington.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bob Gassaway
Can Tho
South Vietnam
Charles J. Banks
Holland, Mich
U.S
Banks
13Th Aviation Battalion
Ft. Lewis
Wash