42 years ago, PFC Gary Wetzel was just ten days away from shipping home from Vietnam. The door gunner from the 173d Assault Helicopter Co. – the “Robin Hoods” – was on his second tour, and had already been shot down four times. On Jan. 8, 1968, near Ap Dong An Vietnam, Wetzel was shot down for the fifth time. An RPG hit Wetzel's helicopter, trapping the aircraft in the intense fire of the landing zone. Gunfire immediately killed two of the crew, and as Wetzel rushed to the aid of his commander, he was blown into a rice paddy. Shrapnel from the grenade blast wounded Wetzel in the chest, left leg, and mangled his left arm. Wetzel managed to tuck his mangled arm into his belt and went back to his gun well in the downed helicopter. Wetzel opened fire despite his grievous wounds and being the only U.S. weapon effectively engaging the enemy. Incredibly, he did not abandon his position until the enemy automatic weapons emplacement that was inflicting heavy casualties was eliminated. Wetzel then resumed caring for his wounded commander before passing out due to his loss of blood. Wetzel continued to save members of his crew while going in and out of consciousness. The helicopter crew was rescued the next day. Wetzel's arm had to be amputated at the field hospital, and he was in critical condition for a week. Two days later, helicopters inserted PFC Clarence Sasser and men from A Co, 3d Bn, 60th Infantry for a reconnaissance-in-force operation in the Ding Tuong Province. Suddenly, small arms, recoilless rifle, machine gun and rocket fire erupted from fortified positions that surrounded the soldiers on three sides. Sasser – the combat medic – ran across an open rice paddy to treat some of the dozens of wounded soldiers. After helping one man, fragments of an exploding rocket hit Sasser in the shoulder. Again, he had to cross a hail of enemy fire to treat other wounded soldiers. After two additional wounds immobilized his legs, Sasser dragged himself 100 yards to another soldier who needed aid. He aided soldiers for another five hours before being evacuated. Only 92 recipients of the Medal of Honor survive today. In Sept. 2010, the Medal of Honor Society will hold its national convention in Charleston, S.C., giving Americans the opportunity to honor those like Wetzel and Sasser who have given so much for this country.
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Posted
Jan 10 2010, 11:09 AM
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BLACKFIVE