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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!

Good evening, Ringer....you sure did beat the ping.
Hope you’ve had a nice weekend.

41 posted on 03/27/2011 7:12:46 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)

Why thank you! I appreciate the kind words! :)

42 posted on 03/27/2011 7:15:19 PM PDT by luvie (I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))

To: ConorMacNessa

Good evening, Mac...*HUGS*...your dirt still sprouting loverly flowers? Are you finally feeling better?

43 posted on 03/27/2011 7:17:04 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)

LOL! That’s a good one! :)

44 posted on 03/27/2011 7:18:13 PM PDT by luvie (I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))

45 posted on 03/27/2011 7:31:05 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)

You’re trying to tempt me, right? :)

46 posted on 03/27/2011 7:41:05 PM PDT by luvie (I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))

47 posted on 03/27/2011 7:42:27 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)

48 posted on 03/27/2011 7:45:53 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)

49 posted on 03/27/2011 7:45:53 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)

50 posted on 03/27/2011 7:45:56 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)

51 posted on 03/27/2011 7:45:56 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)

Good evening Luvie...what is that scary character in the moon?

An old man with glasses, a bra & a laptop??? ;-}

52 posted on 03/27/2011 7:55:51 PM PDT by AZamericonnie

To: Kathy in Alaska

FYI, March 25 (this past Friday) is National Medal of Honor Day. I didn't know that there was even such a date until this evening. The date coincides with the day that the first Medals of Honor were awarded, March 25, 1863, for the Great Locomotive Chase.

53 posted on 03/27/2011 7:56:16 PM PDT by Stonewall Jackson (Democrats: "You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.")

That is an adorable cake Sandy...when is the big event projected?

54 posted on 03/27/2011 7:57:58 PM PDT by AZamericonnie

To: AZamericonnie; LUV W

Good evening to you both. :)

55 posted on 03/27/2011 7:58:12 PM PDT by Colonel_Flagg ("It's hard to take the president seriously." - Jim DeMint)

To: Colonel_Flagg

Well hello Colonel & how loverly to see you! *hugs*

How in the world are you?

Life treating you well?

56 posted on 03/27/2011 8:00:23 PM PDT by AZamericonnie

To: AZamericonnie

Heehee! I THINK it’s supposed to be a “real” night owl.

It could be another form of the Roerschach’s test. LOL!

How are you, (((Connie)))!

57 posted on 03/27/2011 8:04:51 PM PDT by luvie (I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))

To: AZamericonnie

Hi, Connie :) Hugs to you too!

I am doing okay. Life has been horribly hectic but in the main, I can’t complain. No one cares anyway. Lots of work to do at lots of jobs, but the bills somehow get paid.

I hope you are well!

58 posted on 03/27/2011 8:04:53 PM PDT by Colonel_Flagg ("It's hard to take the president seriously." - Jim DeMint)

Good evening, Idaho...((HUGS))...good poochie update! Hope he’s a good fit.

59 posted on 03/27/2011 8:05:05 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)

To: Colonel_Flagg

Howdy do, Sir! (((hugs)))

How in the world are YOU doing! Soooo good to see ya, stranger! :)

60 posted on 03/27/2011 8:05:44 PM PDT by luvie (I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))

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