Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Ola Lee Mize dies at 82

From an article posted by Anniston-Gadsen Alabama On-line news: Medal of Honor recipient and retired Special Forces Colonel Ola Lee Mize dies at 82

Col. Ola Lee Mize, who earned the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War, died today at the age of 82. Mize, a native of Marshall County and resident of Gadsden, received the medal "for conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty" in September 1954 for his actions on June 10, 1953 near Outpost Harry (Surang-ni, Korea) during an intense attack.

According to his citation, Mize, then a sergeant, rescued a wounded soldier during a heavy attack, established a defensive position despite being blown down by artillery and grenade blasts three times, and inflicted heavy casualties on enemy forces. He moved between bunkers, firing at the enemy and throwing grenades. All the while, witnesses said Mize shouted encouragement to his fellows. Later during the engagement, Mize killed 10 enemy soldiers while trying to retake a machine gun position, and radioed in artillery fire before helping direct a counterattack on enemy positions.

The citation lauded Mize for "valorous conduct and unflinching courage (that) reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service." Mize later served three tours in Vietnam and retired in 1981. A section of Steele Station Road in Gadsden is named in his honor, as is a veterans park and public museum dedicated last year.

Watch the video below on Colonel Mize and his recollections from the Korean War.

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