Marine and Omaha Hero
After arriving at AN Diem Village in November 1969, Miguel assumed his responsibilities as a rifleman in Combined Action Platoon 1-3-2. By living with the villagers, the Marines supported the Vietnamese Popular Forces (PFs) in protecting the villages from the Viet Cong (VC) and North Vietnamese Army (NVA). In addition to regular nighttime patrols and minimal daytime security, the squad of Marines trained worked with the PFs, relaxed and played. They spent time around the school, and assited villagers in harvesting rice and drawing water from the well.
During the night of May 8th, 1970, the platoon was attacked by a combined force of about 200VC and NVA soldiers coming from several directions. About a dozen Marines and the village PFs fought through the night against intense automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade (RPG) fire. The assault began when enemy fire hit the bunker close to were Miguel was standing, wounding Miguel. Despite his injuries Miguel rushed forward, firing as he advanced, stopping five enemy soldiers, and then he ran to check the perimeter. A grenade detonated near Miguel, knocking him to the ground and further wounding him. Fighting pain and weakness from blood loss, he struggled to his feet, braving fire from 25 enemy soldiers massing to attack. Miguel killed four, and the rest of the soldiers fled. An enemy soldier coming from another direction shot Miguel in the back, and 30 minutes later he died. Miguel’s bravery inspired the surviving Marines and PFs to hold back the attack.
When daylight came, Marine helicopters arrived to drive out the remaining enemies. In addition to Miguel, three PFS were killed. Eight Marines and 13 PFs were wounded. The enemy lost 28 soldiers.
Miguel’s best friend John Easley was at the Keith home when Miguel’s mother received news of his death. She screamed in sorrow. More of Miguel’s friends quickly arrived to comfort Mrs. Keith. “My Micheal’s dead,” she cried. Lance Corporal Miguel Keith was buried with full military honors in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha. For his actions on May 8th, 1970, Miguel posthumously received the Medal of Honor, and Purple Heart. Vice President Spiro Agnew presented the Medal of Honor to Miguel’s mother, Delores Keith on September 9, 1971.