Ted Belcher

On episode three hundred and ten, the story of Ted Belcher is told. All stories in May and June will be recipients from the Vietnam War Be sure to visit our website for more information as the show goes on at: www.talesofhonorpodcast.com. Thanks for listening and be sure to share with friends and family!

Ted was born on the 21st of July, 1924, in Accoville, West Virginia, and when he was 18 years old, he enlisted in the US Army in Huntington, West Virginia. Ted served in World War 2 and went on to deploy to the Republic of Vietnam. It was his actions on the 19th of November, 1966, that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

Distinguishing himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life. Sgt. Belcher's unit was engaged in a search and destroy mission with Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, the Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon and a special forces company of civilian irregular defense group personnel. As a squad leader of the 2d Platoon of Company C, Sgt. Belcher was leading his men when they encountered a bunker complex. The reconnaissance platoon, located a few hundred meters northwest of Company C, received a heavy volume of fire from well camouflaged snipers. As the 2d Platoon moved forward to assist the unit under attack, Sgt. Belcher and his squad, advancing only a short distance through the dense jungle terrain, met heavy and accurate automatic weapons and sniper fire. Sgt. Belcher and his squad were momentarily stopped by the deadly volume of enemy fire. He quickly gave the order to return fire and resume the advance toward the enemy. As he moved up with his men, a hand grenade landed in the midst of the sergeant's squad. Instantly realizing the immediate danger to his men, Sgt. Belcher, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, lunged forward, covering the grenade with his body. Absorbing the grenade blast at the cost of his life, he saved his comrades from becoming casualties. Sgt. Belcher's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Ted Belcher was 42 years old and he is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Zanesville, Ohio: Section C, Lot 11. His name appears on Panel 12E, Line 86 on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC.