Frank A. Herda

Frank Aloysious Herda (September 13, 1947 – October 13, 2023) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Military career Herda joined the United States Army from his birth city of Cleveland, Ohio, and by June 29, 1968, was serving as a private first class in Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). During an enemy attack on that day, near Dak To in Kon Tum Province, Republic of Vietnam, Herda smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body to protect those around him. He survived the blast, although severely wounded, and was subsequently promoted to specialist four and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Herda published the sword and sorcery novel, The Cup of Death: Chronicles of the Dragons of the Magi, in 2007.

Medal of Honor citation Specialist Herda's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

Death Herda died in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 13, 2023, at the age of 76. He was buried in the Brooklyn Heights Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio.