Honoring a National Hero
Lance Corporal Miguel Keith was honored for his bravery and his sacrifice by the military, his nation, and his hometown. He received The medal of Honor, medals for his valor on the battlefield, and decorations for his service in Vietnam.
1. Medal of Honor
Awarded by the President in the name of the U.S. Congress, the nation’s highest military honor is presented to U.S. military personnel for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
2. Purple Heart
Awarded in the name of the President of the United States, to those in the Armed Forces wounded or killed while in serving in the U.S. military.
3. Combat Action Ribbon
Awarded by the Marine Corps for satisfactory performance under enemy fire in ground or maritime combat.
4. Rifle Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge
Awarded by the Marine Corps for completion of a weapons qualification course at the Sharpshooter level, issued for the service rifle.
5. National Defense Service Medal
Awarded by the US Armed forces to anyone who serves on active duty in the US military during a declared time of war or conflict.
6. Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star
Awarded by the US Armed Forces to service members participating directly in military operations in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia or Laos, with a bronze star in lieu of second award.
7. Vietnam Campaign Medal
Awarded by the former South Vietnamese government to members of the Republic of Vietnam Military Forces and foreign military personnel, for service in South Vietnam.
8. Marine Corps Emblem
The Marine Corps Emblem is presented to Marine recruits after they complete basic training, and are addressed as “Marine’ for the first time.
In Omaha, Miguel Keith’s life and heroic death are commemorated at this memorial in Miguel Keith park and at Forest Lawn Cemetery. This memorial includes the monument displaying Lance Corporal Miguel Keith’s Medal of Honor Citation and five significant flags.
9. United States Flag
This flag, also known as the “American Flag”, “Old Glory”, “Stars and Stripes”, and “Star Spangled Banner” is the national flag of the United States of America.
10. State of Nebraska Flag
The Nebraska Flag is blue rectangle displaying the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska.
11. US Marine Corps Flag
The flag of the US Marine Corps is a scarlet rectangle with the Corps’ Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem. In its beak, the eagle holds a white ribbon bearing the Marine Corps’ motto “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful).
12. KIA / WIA Flag
The KIA WIA Flag honors and remembers all Americans Killed In Action “KIA” or Wounded in Action “WIA”. The black background represents mourning. Encircled by the American flag, a wounded soldiers stands in front of a cemetery cross.
13. Honor and Remember Flag
The Honor and Remember Flag recognizes all who have died in the “line of duty”, including those dying from lingering physical or emotional trauma due to their service.
14. Miguel Keith’s Headstone
Lance Corporal Miguel Keith’s remains are buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in the American Legion Section, grave #444. His valor is recognized annually at the Forest Lawn Memorial Day Service.