Miguel Keith was born on June 2, 1951 in San Antonio, TX. After moving to Omaha, he attended North High School. Miguel was very quiet and he did not socialize much. He never got into trouble and would stand up for what he believed in no matter what. Miguel’s nickname was Mike, although his mom always called him Michael.

In December 1968, Miguel left North High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He was discharged from the Reserves on April 30, 1969 and enlisted in the regular Marine Corps. He was sent to the Marine Corps Depot in San Diego, CA where he completed his training and was transferred to Camp Pendleton for individual training.

On August 1, 1969, Miguel was promoted to Private First Class. Three months later, he arrived in the Republic of Vietnam and was assigned as a rifleman with the 1st Combined Action Group, III Marine Amphibious Force. On April 1, 1970, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal.

When he enlisted, Miguel told his mom that he had a job to do and she guesses that he did that job. A man that knew him from boot camp remembered that they used to call him the “church mouse” or the “king rat.” This had something to do with the fact that they had to clean offices.

While participating in combat in Quang Ngai Province on May 8, 1970, LCpl Miguel Keith was mortally wounded in the action for which he received the Medal of Honor. His citation reads:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving as a machine gunner with Combined Action Platoon 1-2-1, III Marine Amphibious Force, operating in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning of May 8, 1970, Lance Corporal Keith was seriously wounded when his platoon was subjected to a heavy ground attack by a greatly outnumbering enemy force. Despite his painful wounds, he ran across the fire-swept terrain to check the security of vital defensive positions, and then, when while completely exposed to view, proceeded to deliver a hail of devastating machine gun fire against the enemy. Determined to stop five of the enemy approaching the command post, he rushed forward, firing as he advanced. He succeeded in disposing of three of the attackers and in dispersing the remaining two. At this point, a grenade detonated near Lance Corporal Keith, knocking him to the ground and inflicting further severe wounds. Fighting pain and weakness from loss of blood, he again braved the concentrated hostile fire to charge an estimated twenty-five enemy soldiers who were massing to attack. The vigor of his assault and his well-placed fire eliminated four of the enemy, while the remainder fled for cover. During this valiant effort, he was mortally wounded by an enemy soldier. By his courageous and inspiring performance in the face of almost overwhelming odds, Lance Corporal Keith contributed in large measure to the success of his platoon in routing a numerically superior enemy force, and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.”

Miguel is survived by his mother, Delores. He is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, NE. His name is inscribed on the Vietnam Wall on Panel 11W Line 132.