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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!

To: Kathy in Alaska

Hello Kathy ((Hugs))

21 posted on 03/27/2011 6:21:34 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)

To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; beachn4fun; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; PROCON; ...

Welcome To All Who Enter This Canteen, To Our Serving Military, To Our Veterans, To All Military Families, To Our FRiends and To Our Allies!

Missing Man Setting

Never Forget Those Who Sacrificed All That We Could Live In Freedom!!

22 posted on 03/27/2011 6:25:59 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN '69 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!)

Right on time, I think.....was I early?

23 posted on 03/27/2011 6:27:00 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)

And rounding out the top three....Idaho bags the bronze!!

24 posted on 03/27/2011 6:27:08 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)

To: Kathy in Alaska

I met Gary a few years ago and thanked him for his service.

25 posted on 03/27/2011 6:28:10 PM PDT by ADSUM (Democracy works when citizens get involved and keep government honest.)

To: AZamericonnie; LUV W; Kathy in Alaska; TASMANIANRED

This is the cake that DC is planning to make for her S-I- L's Baby Shower. Think it will go over in a big Way?

for our 1st Grandbaby

26 posted on 03/27/2011 6:31:20 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)

G’Day, Janey!! ((HUGS)) Hope you are feeling another day better.

27 posted on 03/27/2011 6:41:48 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)

28 posted on 03/27/2011 6:43:10 PM PDT by luvie (I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))

To: Kathy in Alaska

I'm just so used to the Canteen starting at 1500 over here.....having had to adjust for DST.....that a 1400 start caught me off guard.

29 posted on 03/27/2011 6:44:03 PM PDT by BIGLOOK (Keelhaul Congress!)

To: Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC

Another great story of an awesome American hero! Thanks, Galz! :)

30 posted on 03/27/2011 6:44:43 PM PDT by luvie (I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))

To: Kathy in Alaska

Hi - Got great news, sorta. I’ve been cleared to go back to work full time but not fly yet. It might be a few more weeks but the bright sun is coming up soon! Love and (((hugs))) to you and ALL.
Janey

31 posted on 03/27/2011 6:49:32 PM PDT by SkyDancer ("If You Don't Read The News You're Uninformed, If You Do Read The News You're Misinformed")

It’s made up of cupcakes then frosted on top like a sheet cake. No cutting of the cake when serving required.

32 posted on 03/27/2011 6:55:42 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)

To: y'all; Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; MS.BEHAVIN; mylife; NYTexan; TASMANIANRED; SandRat; ...

Good evening, fellow night owls!
Hope all of you had a great weekend....
....and that you have a good week, too!
(((hugs)))

33 posted on 03/27/2011 6:56:34 PM PDT by luvie (I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))

Welcome to the Canteen, ADSUM...what an honor that must have been...to actually met MOH recipient Gary Wetzel. Thank you for sharing your experience.

34 posted on 03/27/2011 6:56:34 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)

Great news, SkyDancer!

35 posted on 03/27/2011 6:58:50 PM PDT by luvie (I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))

Good evening, Luv!

*HUGS*

How's it going with you?

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

36 posted on 03/27/2011 6:58:52 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN '69 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!)

To: HopeandGlory

Thanks, Nana Hope, for today's Pledge…((HUGS)). Thanks, AfghanMan and Penguin Girl, for your service to America.

37 posted on 03/27/2011 7:08:32 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)

Thanks! Also, you have a great profile page.

38 posted on 03/27/2011 7:08:47 PM PDT by SkyDancer ("If You Don't Read The News You're Uninformed, If You Do Read The News You're Misinformed")

after the game dear ...

39 posted on 03/27/2011 7:09:31 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)

To: ConorMacNessa

Good evening! I had a good day and weekend. Hope you did, too!

I’m off tomorrow, so the weekend is like extended for me. :)

40 posted on 03/27/2011 7:09:57 PM PDT by luvie (I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))

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