Gary G Wetzel
Gary was born on the 29th of September 1947, in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and he grew up with five sisters and three brothers. He enlisted into the US Army in February of 1966 and going to basic training was his first-time leaving home. While deployed to the Republic of Vietnam, Gary was assigned to an ordnance company, but he wanted to be a helicopter door gunner. So, he re-enlisted for three years and got his choice of duty stations, giving him the opportunity he wanted. It was his actions on the 8th of January 1968, about ten days before being scheduled to go home, that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The 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 two 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 machine gun 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.
Gary spent six months in a hospital in Japan before being discharged in June of 1968 and returning to the States. One day while he was at work, he was visited by an Army Colonel, Major, and First Sergeant who, over a period of ten days, convinced Gary that he was to go to Washington and receive the Medal of Honor from President Johnson. He received the Medal on the 19th of November 1968 in a ceremony at the White House, along with four others. Gary has been active in the veteran community and is an active motorcycle rider: he was in an accident in 2016 on his way to Sturgis, but recovered from the wreck. Gary Gregory Wetzel is 75 years old at the time of this recording and he and his wife Kathy live in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
