Olive-Harvey College to unveil life-size mural honoring its namesakes and Vietnam War heroes Milton L. Olive III and Carmel B. Harvey Jr. on November 12, hold Veterans Conference that is free and open


Olive-Harvey College to unveil life-size mural honoring its namesakes and Vietnam War heroes Milton L. Olive III and Carmel B. Harvey Jr. on November 12, hold Veterans Conference that is free and open to the public


CHICAGO — Olive-Harvey College (OHC) proudly announces the upcoming reveal and dedication of a striking, full-wall mural honoring the legacy of its namesakes, Private First Class Milton L. Olive III and Specialist Four Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr. The newly commissioned artwork, created by Jess Patterson, a talented Chicago visual artist and muralist, is permanently installed within the Veterans Center located in the main building. The official unveiling and dedication ceremony will take place at 11:45am on November 12.


Preceding the event is a Veterans Conference featuring two panel discussions at 10am and 11am, doors open at 9am. Both the conference and the mural unveiling are open to the public. To register, click here.


“As an Army veteran and Executive Director of Chicago Area Veterans Forum, I’ve helped organize veterans resource fairs, worked with community partners to connect veterans with benefits and mental health services, and advocated for state investment in workforce training for Illinois veterans,” said Dr. Carlos L. Redmond. “By partnering with Olive-Harvey College, we’re bringing veterans and their families together with people who can help them apply

for benefits, explore job training, education options, or find housing support."


The event is made possible through the tireless efforts of Olive-Harvey Colleges’ Veterans office, The Chicago Area Veterans Forum and the Travis Manion Foundation. The mural unveiling features the Christian Fenger Academy High School Junior ROTC Color Guard.


The mural serves as a profound visual chronicling of the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of two young Chicagoans who gave their lives during the Vietnam War and were awarded the nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.


"This mural is more than a work of art. It is an enduring reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by two of Chicago’s own bravest sons," said President Kimberly Hollingsworth, Olive-Harvey College. "By placing this tribute in our Veterans Center, we ensure that every student, veteran, and community member is reminded of the values of selflessness, service, and courage that define the Olive-Harvey College and community."


The mural depicts both heroes and honors the specific historic actions that defined their legacies:

  • Private First Class Milton Lee Olive III: An 18-year-old airborne paratrooper serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. On October 22, 1965, while moving through the jungle in Phu Cuong, South Vietnam, an enemy soldier threw a live hand grenade into the midst of his platoon. In an incredible act of selfless bravery, Olive grabbed the explosive and smothered it with his own body to absorb the full blast. His actions saved the lives of four fellow soldiers, including his platoon commander. He posthumously became the first African American recipient of the Medal of Honor for service in the Vietnam War (source: History.com).
  • Specialist Four Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr.: A 20-year-old infantryman serving with the 1st Cavalry Division. On June 21, 1967, during combat operations in Binh Dinh Province, Harvey’s platoon came under intense enemy fire while attempting to secure a downed helicopter. Undeterred by the immense danger, Harvey deliberately charged an enemy machine-gun position to draw fire away from his comrades, providing critical suppression that enabled wounded Americans to be safely evacuated from the area. His conspicuous gallantry and sacrifice earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor (source: Congressional Medal of Honor Society).

The college renamed in 1970 to honor these two heroes, Olive-Harvey College continues its mission to provide exceptional education while honoring its veteran heritage. Chicago recorded the highest total volume of casualties in the state, accounting for a massive share of the 2,962 total Vietnam War casualties from Illinois (source: Virtual Wall).


The new mural offers space for reflection within the Veterans Center, reinforcing OHC’s commitment to supporting veterans and the entire community.


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