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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: Colonel_Flagg
Well hon bills getting paid is the main objective is it not?
Sorry for the hectic lifestyle but sooo good to see you!
To: Colonel_Flagg
Well, of course it is a good thing!
Whatcha been doin’ to keep yourself busy? Are you finally
having some warm weather in your corner of the world?
82
posted on
03/27/2011 8:45:22 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: LUV W
83
posted on
03/27/2011 8:45:23 PM PDT
by
SandRat
(Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
To: LUV W
Lessee...right now it’s about 68 with an overnight low of about 52 & a high of 80 tomorrow.
I love this time of year but know the heat is coming.
Restocked my herb garden this weekend & planted some tomatoes.
Found some green tomatoes at the farmers market this weekend & had some fried green tomatoes for dinner. Such fun!
To: LUV W
Starting to warm up ... I took up photography to keep myself from going nuts ... I am really enjoying it :) now you folks in Arizona, you got it made in the warm department!
I hope things have been wonderful for you too!
85
posted on
03/27/2011 8:51:11 PM PDT
by
Colonel_Flagg
("It's hard to take the president seriously." - Jim DeMint)
To: Colonel_Flagg
Aloha Colonel!
Good to see ya again and of course I remember you. I remember all singular characters whose tastes mirror my own.
Happy springtime!
86
posted on
03/27/2011 8:52:27 PM PDT
by
BIGLOOK
(Keelhaul Congress!)
To: AZamericonnie
Sounds like we are in sort of the same weather pattern. I dread the coming heat...especially not having rain for about 6 months. I see the evidence of wildfires every time I get out on the roads.
Sweet that you have the garden started. Hubby has been working hard. We have water restrictions starting on April 1st so wonder how that’s going to affect his results. I had tulips last week. :)
87
posted on
03/27/2011 8:54:26 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: BIGLOOK
Aloha to you too, Big!
And yes, Lehrer! Great to see you!
88
posted on
03/27/2011 8:55:39 PM PDT
by
Colonel_Flagg
("It's hard to take the president seriously." - Jim DeMint)
To: AZamericonnie
Check in your sock drawer. d:o)
Things seem to be going well here. Got all the parental errands done this weekend. Dad drove himself Thursday, and will drive himself on Monday, to his finger sticks at the heart center. His heart meds are a bit out of whack and sticks will be close together until he gets back up to between 2 and 3. He dropped down to 1...not good with atrial fibrillation says the doc. I asked the why of the Warfarin (Coumadin)....to prevent strokes. But the depression seems to really be under control. What a huge difference!
89
posted on
03/27/2011 8:56:52 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: AZamericonnie
It sure is, Connie ... beats the alternative. I am well, hale and hearty. I have no complaints :)
90
posted on
03/27/2011 8:57:25 PM PDT
by
Colonel_Flagg
("It's hard to take the president seriously." - Jim DeMint)
To: Colonel_Flagg
Glad you will be getting some warm weather! I remember how much
you hate the bitter cold. :) Although...um....I’m from Texas,
not Arizona. *wink* Same kind of heat, though, so you were only
partly wrong. :)
Photography is a wonderful way to see the world in a whole new
way. I know you’re good at it!....as you are in everything you try!
Thanks..they have been pretty darn good. Kids are still close
enough to visit occasionally and Miss Piper is growing like
the proverbial weed. And SO smart, too! :)
91
posted on
03/27/2011 8:58:29 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: AZamericonnie
I just looked at that picture again. LOL! I think the “bra” turns out to be his knees. *grin*
Honest mistake!
92
posted on
03/27/2011 9:00:06 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: LUV W; AZamericonnie
and I am out of practice ... responded to your post with a note to Connie. :)
93
posted on
03/27/2011 9:00:29 PM PDT
by
Colonel_Flagg
("It's hard to take the president seriously." - Jim DeMint)
To: BIGLOOK
*tap-tap*
Now...that’s funny! :)
94
posted on
03/27/2011 9:02:29 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: Colonel_Flagg
‘S ok. It sorta fit anyhow. :)
95
posted on
03/27/2011 9:04:23 PM PDT
by
luvie
(I'd rather be a Tea Partier than a FLEEbagger! :))
To: SandRat
Good evening, Sand...((HUGS))...any muggings thus far?
A relaxing weekend?
Did you get your paper fine-tuned and off to the client?
96
posted on
03/27/2011 9:05:37 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: LUV W
Aloha West Texas Rose!
We don't have pidgeons here...but I remember them. We have Mynah birds which a twice as pesky....and messy.
97
posted on
03/27/2011 9:07:50 PM PDT
by
BIGLOOK
(Keelhaul Congress!)
To: BIGLOOK
98
posted on
03/27/2011 9:08:29 PM PDT
by
BIGLOOK
(Keelhaul Congress!)
To: BIGLOOK
99
posted on
03/27/2011 9:08:30 PM PDT
by
BIGLOOK
(Keelhaul Congress!)
To: BIGLOOK
100
posted on
03/27/2011 9:08:30 PM PDT
by
BIGLOOK
(Keelhaul Congress!)
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