Sp/4 Keith Allen Campbell
Combat Medic
82nd Abn Div, 11th Special Forces, 173d Abn Bde (Sep)
KIA 02/08/67
When I think of our deceased military I am reminded of Bansky’s quote, “I mean, they say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time.” It is clear, my late brother Keith has not been forgotten, I continue to receive messages from individuals, from around the world, regarding Keith’s heroic actions and asking just why was he never a recipient of the Medal of Honor?
Keith is not just a name on The Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall. He was a young man that volunteered for military service in 1963 and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. Keith served in the Dominican Republic where he was recommended for the Bronze Star.
In 1966, he was honorably discharged. He served in the U. S. Army Reserve as a Medic with the 11th Special Forces (Green Beret) while attending college and pursuing his dream of becoming an Army Doctor.
In January, 1967, he re-enlisted as a Sp/4, voluntarily accepting a downgrade in rank. He served in Vietnam as a combat medic assigned to HHC1/503 of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep), i.e. The Herd.
On February 5, 1967 he earned and was later awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device for valor during a combat mission.
On February 8, 1967, he was killed by enemy fire as he knowingly and willingly treated and shielded his patient with his own body. Keith was awarded our Nation’s second highest award for valor, The Distinguished Service Cross.
Keith was a member of the George Washington Chapter of the Association of the United States Army. Annually, the KEITH A CAMPBELL AWARD is presented to an outstanding soldier in the Military District of Washington. Keith was posthumously a member of the Legion of Valor. The Legion of Valor is our nations oldest military service organization comprised of our Nation’s two highest awards for valor, i.e. The Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross and Air Force Cross.
On November 14, 2006, the JBSA/Fort Sam Houston Library was memorialized by renaming it the KEITH A CAMPBELL MEMORIAL LIBRARY. JBSA/Fort Sam Houston is HOME TO MILITARY MEDICINE.
The Fort Sam Houston AMMEDD TV Branch created a video “Army Medic: The Spirit of Courage” after interviewing three of the men that were at the library dedication. The news reporter was in awe, as was everyone else, at the reaction these men had to one another. It was the FIRST time they had seen each other since the “kill zone”. The video is used in training and runs continuously in the AMEDD Medic Museum located at JBSA/Fort Sam Houston.
While making arrangements to place a brick at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, they were so impressed by Keith they placed his paver in front of the museum, near the Iron Mike statue!
Keith is the recipient of:
The Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star with Valor
Purple Heart
Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Combat Medic Badge w/Star
Vietnam Campaign Medal w/’60’ device
Expert Marksmanship Badge w/Rifle Bar
Parachutist Badge
Republic of Vietnam Military Merit Medal
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm
Unit Citations:
Army Presidential Unit Citation
Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Keith was/is the epitome of inspiration. He is my inspiration.
President Ronald Reagan said it best, “And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions, we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice”.
Keith made the final sacrifice, now it’s time we recognize that by our actions and posthumously award him the Medal of Honor. Keith did not fail us, we should not fail him.
Go back to your Senators, Congressmen, friends, families and tell them to award this long over due honor….lest we never forget.
May God Bless the men and women that have so faithfully served our County, God Bless Each of you and God Bless America.
Sincerely,
Judy C. Campbell
Proud Sister of SPC Keith Allen Campbell — www.keithcampbell.net