Army Staff Sgt. Clifford Sims Awarded Medal of Honor for Vietnam Heroism

Sims sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers during the Battle of Hue

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Army Staff Sgt. Clifford Chester Sims, who grew up with a difficult childhood and no permanent home, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions during the Battle of Hue in the Vietnam War. Sims threw himself on a hidden booby trap to save the lives of his squad and company headquarters, sacrificing his own life.

Why it matters

Sims' selfless act of valor during a pivotal battle of the Vietnam War highlights the bravery and sacrifice of American troops, even those who came from humble beginnings. His story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the high price paid by those who serve their country.

The details

In February 1968, during the Tet Offensive, Sims' squad was assaulting a heavily fortified enemy position when they came under heavy fire. Sims led his squad in an attack, helping to free a pinned-down platoon. As they moved to provide cover fire, Sims noticed an ammunition-filled building was on fire and quickly moved his squad away before it exploded, injuring two of his soldiers. As they neared a bunker, Sims heard a booby trap being triggered and immediately threw himself on top of the device as it exploded, sacrificing his life to save his fellow soldiers.

  • Sims enlisted in the Army in 1961, shortly after marrying his high school sweetheart, Mary.
  • In 1965, Sims served with the 82nd Airborne Division in the Dominican Republic.
  • Sims was transferred to the 101st Airborne Division and deployed to Vietnam in late 1967.
  • On February 21, 1968, Sims sacrificed his life during the Battle of Hue.
  • In December 1969, Sims' wife and daughter received the Medal of Honor from Vice President Spiro Agnew.

The players

Clifford Chester Sims

A humble and thoughtful Army Staff Sergeant who grew up with an unstable childhood and no permanent home, but went on to heroically sacrifice his life to save his fellow soldiers during the Battle of Hue in the Vietnam War.

Mary Sims

Clifford Sims' wife, who received the Medal of Honor on his behalf in 1969.

Gina Sims

Clifford and Mary Sims' adopted daughter, who was also present at the Medal of Honor ceremony in 1969.

Cleo Hogan

Clifford Sims' commander, who provided an eyewitness account of Sims' heroic actions.

Spiro Agnew

The Vice President of the United States who presented the Medal of Honor to Clifford Sims' family in 1969.

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What they’re saying

“Sims saved the lives of at least three of his squad and two of the company headquarters by absorbing the shock of the blast himself.”

— Cleo Hogan, Army 1st Lieutenant (Eyewitness statement)

What’s next

The state of Florida continues to honor Clifford Sims' legacy, with an annual 'Clifford Sims Day' celebration on his birthday, June 18th.

The takeaway

Clifford Sims' selfless sacrifice during the Vietnam War, despite his own difficult upbringing, exemplifies the bravery and heroism of American troops who put their lives on the line to protect their fellow soldiers and their country.