Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class (then Pfc.), U.S. Army, 173rd.
       Assault Helicopter Company.  Place and date: Near Ap Dong An, Republic of
       Vietnam, 8 January 1968.  Entered service at: Milwaukee WI.  Bom 29
       September 1947, South Milwaukee, WI.

Citation:
       Specialist Fourth Class WetzeL 173rd Assault Helicopter Company,
       distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
       life,above and beyond the call of duty.  Specialist fourth Class 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 enemy fire.  Specialist Fourth
       Class Wetzel was going to the aid of his aircraft commander when he was blown
       into a rice paddy and critically wounded by two enemy rockets that exploded
       just inches from his location.  Although bleeding profusely due to the loss of his
       left arm and severe wounds to his right arm, chest, and left leg, Specialist Fourth
       Class Wetzel staggered back to his original position in his gun-well and took the
       enemy forces under fire.  His machine gun was the only weapon placing effective
       fire on the enemy at that time.Through a resolve that overcome the shock and
       intolerable pain of his injuries , Specialist Fourth Class Wetzel remained in 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 to his extensive
       wounds, he attempted to return to the aid of his aircraft commander but passed
       out from the loss of blood.  Regaining consciousness, he persisted in his efforts
       to drag himself to the aid of his fellow crewmen.  After an agonizing effort he
       came to the side of a 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, Specialist Fourth Class Wetzel assisted his crew chief even
       though he lost consciousness once again during this action.  Specialist Fourth
       Class 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.