Ola L. Mize facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ola Lee Mize
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Medal of Honor recipient Ola Mize
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| Born | August 28, 1931 Albertville, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | March 12, 2014 (aged 82) Gadsden, Alabama, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Crestwood Memorial Cemetery, East Gadsden, Alabama
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1950–1981 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Korean War • Attack on Outpost Harry Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Legion of Merit (2) Silver Star Bronze Star (5) Purple Heart |
Ola Lee Mize (born August 28, 1931 – died March 12, 2014) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He received the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing courage during the Korean War.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
Ola Lee Mize was born in Albertville, Alabama. His father was a sharecropper, which meant he farmed land owned by someone else. Ola left school after 9th grade to help his family. He worked for several years, but the pay was very low.
He tried to join the Army, but they said he was too light. He weighed only 120 pounds (about 54 kg). Ola kept trying to join. Finally, in 1950, he was accepted into the Army from Gadsden, Alabama.
Heroism in the Korean War
Mize first joined the 82nd Airborne Division. He planned to serve his time and then go back to school. But when the Korean War started, he changed his mind. He wanted to help and volunteered for a front-line unit.
He became a sergeant in Company K. This company was part of the 15th Infantry Regiment, which was in the 3rd Infantry Division.
On June 10, 1953, his unit was defending a place called Outpost Harry in Korea. The enemy attacked very strongly. Sergeant Mize quickly organized his soldiers to defend their positions. He also bravely rescued wounded soldiers. He fought the enemy until more soldiers arrived the next day.
Because of his incredible bravery, he was promoted to master sergeant. On September 24, 1954, he received the Medal of Honor. This special medal was given to him by President Eisenhower at the White House.
Service in Special Forces and Vietnam
After the Korean War, Mize joined the Special Forces. This is a group of highly trained soldiers. He became an officer and served three times in the Vietnam War.
In 1965, he helped train other Special Forces soldiers. He was in charge of advanced training for things like SCUBA diving and special parachute jumps. Colonel Mize is known for starting the Combat Divers Qualification Course in Key West, Florida.
He served in Vietnam again from 1966 to 1967. He led different Special Forces teams. In 1969, he led a group of Cambodian soldiers. During this time, he earned the Silver Star medal for his bravery.
Colonel Mize retired from the Army in 1981. He passed away from cancer on March 12, 2014, in Gadsden, Alabama, at 82 years old.
Military Awards and Badges
Ola Lee Mize earned many awards for his long and brave service. Here are some of his most important ones:
- Medal of Honor: The highest military award for extreme bravery.
- Legion of Merit: Given for outstanding service and achievements.
- Silver Star: Awarded for bravery in combat.
- Bronze Star: Given for heroic or brave actions in a combat zone.
- Purple Heart: Awarded to soldiers who are wounded or killed in action.
- Combat Infantryman Badge: Shows he fought in ground combat as an infantry soldier.
- Master Parachutist Badge: Shows he completed many parachute jumps.
- Scuba Badge: Shows he is a trained military diver.
- Special Forces Tab: Shows he is a member of the Special Forces.
- Ranger Tab: Shows he completed the tough Ranger School.
Legacy and Honors
Ola Lee Mize is remembered for his courage and service.
- A part of Steel Station Road in Gadsden, Alabama, is named the Col. Ola Lee Mize Medal of Honor Highway.
- On May 14, 2015, the Special Forces Underwater Operations School in Key West, Florida, named its main building after him. This honored his role in starting the combat diver training.
See also
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