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| MEDAL OF
HONOR RECIPIENT |
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| NAME: |
Gary
George Wetzel |
| RANK: |
Specialist
Fourth Class |
| ORGANIZATION: |
173d
Assault Helicopter Company |
| PLACE: |
Republic
of Vietnam |
| DATE: |
8
January 1968 |
| ENTERED
SERVICE AT: |
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin |
| BORN: |
29
September 1947, South Milwaukee,
Wisconsin |
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| CITATION |
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| Specialist
Fourth Class Wetzel, 173d Assault
Helicopter Company, distinguished himself
by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life, above and beyond
the call of duty. Sp4c Wetzel was serving
as door gunner aboard a helicopter, which
was part of an insertion force trapped in
a landing zone by intense and deadly
hostile fire. Sp4c Wetzel was going to
the aid of his aircraft commander when he
was blown into a rice paddy and
critically wounded by 2 enemy rockets
that exploded just inches from his
location. Although bleeding profusely due
to the loss of his left arm and severe
wounds in his right arm, chest, and left
leg. Sp4c Wetzel staggered back to his
original position in his gun-well and
took the enemy forces under fire. His
machinegun was the only weapon placing
effective fire on the enemy at that time.
Through a resolve that overcame the shock
and intolerable pain of his injuries,
Sp4c Wetzel remained at his position
until he had eliminated the automatic
weapons emplacement that had been
inflicting heavy casualties on the
American troops and preventing them from
moving against this strong enemy force.
Refusing to attend his own extensive
wounds, he attempted to return to the aid
of his aircraft commander but passed out
from loss of blood. Regaining
consciousness, he persisted in his
efforts to drag himself to the aid of his
fellow crewman. After and agonizing
effort, he came to the side of the crew
chief who was attempting to drag the
wounded aircraft commander to the safety
of a nearby dike. Unswerving in his
devotion to his fellow man, Sp4c Wetzel
assisted his crew chief even though he
lost consciousness once again during this
action. Sp4c Wetzel displayed
extraordinary heroism in his efforts to
aid his fellow crewmen. His gallant
actions were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect
great credit upon himself and the Armed
Forces of his country. |
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