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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Gary George Wetzel ~ March 28, 2011
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !!
| StarCMC
Posted on 03/27/2011 5:06:40 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces. Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today! |
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~ Hall of Heroes ~ Gary George Wetzel Info from here. |
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Gary George Wetzel (born September 29, 1947) is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decorationthe Medal of Honorfor 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.
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~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! |
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; military; troopsupport
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To: LUV W
Aside from mortal embarrassment, I’m doing fine, thanks. :)
61
posted on
03/27/2011 8:06:41 PM PDT
by
Colonel_Flagg
("It's hard to take the president seriously." - Jim DeMint)
To: AZamericonnie
Supposedly the arrival will be sometime the last week of Sept. But you know how 1st babies are about arriving.
62
posted on
03/27/2011 8:09:09 PM PDT
by
SandRat
(Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
To: SkyDancer
Cleared, even if you can’t fly yet, is indeed good news. It is forward progress.
((HUGS))
63
posted on
03/27/2011 8:10:37 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: LUV W
64
posted on
03/27/2011 8:11:20 PM PDT
by
SandRat
(Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
To: Kathy in Alaska; tomkow6; LUV W; All
Breaking news Gaddari hometown Fallen
Reuters: Libyan rebel spokesman says Colonel Gaddafis hometown of Sirte has fallen into rebel hands
65
posted on
03/27/2011 8:13:44 PM PDT
by
SevenofNine
("We are Freepers, all your media belong to us ,resistance is futile")
To: AZamericonnie
Good evening, AZ, and thank you for the red, white, and blue tribute.
Y’all feeling good now? *HUGS*
66
posted on
03/27/2011 8:15:15 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: SandRat
Ok! Snagged! Happy now! LOL!
(thanks, Sandy!)
67
posted on
03/27/2011 8:15:50 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: LUV W
68
posted on
03/27/2011 8:17:31 PM PDT
by
SandRat
(Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
To: The Mayor
Good evening, Mayor, and thanks for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
Hope you had a restful weekend with lots of snow melting.
69
posted on
03/27/2011 8:22:56 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Ya, it was a yippie moment knowing that full status was just a fortnite away (they talk like that here) two weeks to go!!!(((HUGS)))back! Hopefully I’ll get to meet you one day. I’ve met several Freepers so far.
70
posted on
03/27/2011 8:23:21 PM PDT
by
SkyDancer
("If You Don't Read The News You're Uninformed, If You Do Read The News You're Misinformed")
To: Colonel_Flagg
Embarrassed??? The Colonel embarrassed??
Say it isn’t so! :) You’ve just been missed, that’s all.
Hope things are going well for you!
71
posted on
03/27/2011 8:23:51 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: LUV W
Yes, embarrassed, but I’m doing ok, thanks. Nice to have been missed by those longtimers who remember me :)
72
posted on
03/27/2011 8:24:49 PM PDT
by
Colonel_Flagg
("It's hard to take the president seriously." - Jim DeMint)
To: Colonel_Flagg
(....there ARE people who care...really!)
73
posted on
03/27/2011 8:25:10 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: Colonel_Flagg
Never be embarrassed. Ok?
You know we are always happy to see an old...and dear...friend.
Right? right! :)
74
posted on
03/27/2011 8:27:01 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: SandRat
YOU are just BAD! LOL!
Thanks again!
75
posted on
03/27/2011 8:28:08 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: Kathy in Alaska
A very good evening to you Kathy. *Hugs*
Doing better everyday....just trying to find the energy reserves. I’m sure I’ve hidden them somewhere.....:)
Things are all well your way?
To: SandRat
Be sure to keep us informed & up to date.
This is a big event!
To: LUV W
Rorschach test Oh my...I wonder what my assessment says about me! LOL
I am well Luvie & hope you are the same. Big T cooked steaks over coals & I made sides so right now I am satiated & sleepy!:)
To: LUV W
79
posted on
03/27/2011 8:39:14 PM PDT
by
Colonel_Flagg
("It's hard to take the president seriously." - Jim DeMint)
To: AZamericonnie
Well, it might say you have a very vivid imagination. LOL
mmmmmmmm.....T-Man cooked steaks! Sounds sooo good. We went
out for steak on my birthday (I actually ended up with salmon)
but hubby’s steaks would have been 100% better!
Did you have pretty weather? We woke up to the 40s this morning,
and having an open window because it was warm last night wasn’t
much help! LOL!
80
posted on
03/27/2011 8:40:09 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
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