KEITH, MIGUEL (1951-1970). Miguel Keith, Medal of Honor recipient, was born on June 2, 1951, at San Antonio, Texas. He entered military service at Omaha, Nebraska. Lance Corporal Keith, United States Marine Corps, was a member of the Third Marine Amphibious Force at Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, on May 8, 1970. In the early morning he was seriously wounded during a ground attack by a large enemy force. In spite of his wounds, he ran across fire-swept terrain to check the security of vital defense positions. Completely exposed, he proceeded to deliver a hail of machine-gun fire against the enemy. As five of the enemy approached the command post he rushed forward and disposed of three of the attackers and dispersed the others. A grenade exploded near Keith, knocking him to the ground, and inflicted further severe wounds. He again braved concentrated hostile fire and charged an estimated twenty-five enemy soldiers. His assault and well-placed fire eliminated four of the enemy and scattered the remainder. During this valiant effort he was mortally wounded. Keith's heroic effort contributed to the success of his platoon in routing the enemy force. He is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery at Omaha, Nebraska.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Committee on Veterans' Affairs, United States Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients, 1863-1973 (Washington: GPO, 1973).
