GARY GEORGE WETZEL
United States Army
Congressional Medal Of Honor
Recipient
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rank
and organization: Specialist Fourth Class (then Pfc.), U.S. Affny 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.