FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Gary George Wetzel ~ March 28, 2011

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC

[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

Gary George Wetzel

Info from here.

           

Gary George Wetzel (born September 29, 1947) is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Wetzel joined the Army from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and by January 8, 1968 was a Private First Class serving as a door gunner in the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company. On that day, near Ap Dong An, Republic of Vietnam, his helicopter was shot down and the survivors, including Wetzel, came under heavy enemy fire. Severely wounded by an explosion which nearly severed his left arm, he continued to man his machine-gun and help other injured soldiers. Wetzel survived his wounds, although his left arm had to be amputated. He was subsequently promoted to Specialist Four and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Wetzel currently lives in his hometown of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and works as a heavy equipment operator.

Wetzel's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

Sp4c. 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 an 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.

~December 3, 2007~

From left, retired Maj. Gen. Patrick H. Brady looks on while Maj. Gen. Virgil L. Packett III, commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation Warfighting Center, presents a commemorative street sign to Gary G. Wetzel during a ceremony at Fort Rucker, Alabama, to name streets in their honor in a new housing development there on Dec. 3, 2007. Brady and Wetzel are both Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients.

 

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

 

[Kathy in Alaska]

WOW! That’s some very interesting additional information. Thanks, Stonewall, both for letting us know about National Medal of Honor Day, and for the link to the men who first received the Medal of Honor.

[Kathy in Alaska]

My goodness...good to see you, Colonel. ((HUGS))

[Kathy in Alaska]

Yes...through Safari. The first 2 things I’m getting are a film protector for the screen (I hate all the fingerprints) and a stylus to tap the little buttons. I just tonight “learned” about stretching.

My computer screen looks so dingy after playing with the iPad. LOL!

And you have “apps”!

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning/afternoon/evening/night Troops, wherever you are.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep all of us free and safe.

Thanks, unique, for the pastries.

Coffee is always on........

How about a donut?

Cookies?

Veggies?

Sandwich?

[E.G.C.]

A very pleasant good morning to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country.

((HUGS))Good morning, Ladies. Thanks for this morning's thrad, Star. How's it going?

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[ConorMacNessa]

Good morning, Luv! (((HUGS)) Sorry I missed you last night Having browser problems at home.  
 
Lamh Foistenach Abu!

Posting from my BlackBerry mobile HQ.

[ConorMacNessa]

Good morning, Kathy! (((HUGS))) Onthe train to the Federalplex - running on time today. A beutiful sunrise on a cold morning. Hope all is well with you! 
 
Lamh Foistenach Abu!

Posting from my BlackBerry mobile HQ.

[tomkow6]

 

Good Morning, EVERYBODY!

 

[Arrowhead1952]

Good morning to everyone at the Canteen. It's a cool 50 here this morning.

[E.G.C.]

Good morning, Tomkow6. How’s it going?

[luvie]

I thought about the film protector, but my computer guru, who
was the one that “made” me want an iPad, said that it makes
the screen less sensitive. I’m getting used to it being so
sensitive...and a soft cloth takes care of the fingerprints. :)

I started to mention “stretching” but thought that you probably
already knew about it. I think these toys are gonna be fun.

...even though, I don’t see any way we can post graphics with them. Do you?

[luvie]

Good morning, Conor! Wondered where you are...and missed seeing you last night! (((hugs)))

[GailA]

Good morning, and God Bless our Troops.

[luvie]

Whooooooo turned morning on so early!
It's my day off...I should be sleeping! :)
Hope each of you Early Birds has a GREAT week!
(((hugs)))

[luvie]

Howdy! :)

[ConorMacNessa]

Good morning, Luv!

*HUGS*

I downloaded Firefox 4 Beta and at first it was working out okay. Now crashes every time I open it. GRRRR!!!

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[luvie]

I have heard several others having the same problem. I got
the new upgrade, but not to 4. I think I’ll wait till they
get the “bugs” out. That has to be VERY annoying!

Got and iPad last week and Safari seems to be a good system
on it. Hope it continues to be!

[tomkow6]

Mernin’!