*SABEL, JOEL MICHAEL
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate),
Date of Action: July 10, 1967
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joel Michael Sabel, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Specialist Four Sabel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 July 1967 while serving as a medic of an Airborne infantry company on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. When his company came under heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from a well entrenched enemy force, Specialist Sabel repeatedly ignored his own safety to move among his wounded comrades to treat them. Seriously wounded himself, he refused medical aid and instructed others in treating the injured while he bandaged his own wounds. He continued to expose himself to the withering hostile fire while rendering constant aid to others despite his own injuries. With mortar and automatic weapons falling around him, he never stopped to consider his own welfare. He was mortally wounded while bravely caring for the needs of his comrades in the face of grave danger. Specialist Four Sabel's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4663 (September 14, 1967)
Home Town: West Covina, California *SANDERSON, JACK JOHNSTONE
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: November 24, 1968
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jack Johnstone Sanderson, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Private First Class Sanderson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 November 1968 while serving as a medical aidman during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Tan Tru. As his platoon approached a dense woodline it came under a sudden barrage of hostile fire. Two of his comrades were wounded and fell in an area completely exposed to the enemy gunners. Private Sanderson courageously moved forward through the fusillade to one of the casualties and, in full view of the communists' emplacement, began to administer first aid. When the man died in spite of his efforts, Private Sanderson, disregarding his safety, charged across the open rice paddy to where the other injured soldier lay. While he was treating this man, an element from his platoon moved to engage the enemy bunker and was fired upon from a previously undetected position, resulting in several more wounded. Once again he braved the hostile fire and went to their aid. As he went from man to man, searching for survivors, he was seriously wounded by enemy rifle fire. Despite severe pain and rapid loss of blood, he managed to drag himself up to the last soldier. Finding that none of the men were alive, he started crawling back to his unit's location, but died from his wounds before he reached safety. Private First Class Sanderson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 473 (February 11, 1969)
Home Town: Warsaw, New York SCHOCH, NICHOLAS W.
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Company B, 3d Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division
Date of Action: May 10 - 18, 1969
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Nicholas W. Schoch, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 3d Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Schoch distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 10 to 18 May 1969 while serving as a medical aidman during a mission to capture the enemy citadel of Dong Ap Bia Mountain. On 10 May his company engaged an entrenched North Vietnamese force, and Specialist Schoch rushed to the area of fiercest conflict and began to administer medical aid to the wounded. Once, he moved to aid three seriously wounded men lying in an area completely devoid of cover. While treating one of the men, he became the target of a sniper in a nearby tree. Taking the weapon of the man he was treating, he killed the sniper. On 13 May his unit assaulted the enemy stronghold and again came under heavy concentration of hostile fire. As Specialist Schoch was applying first aid to the wounded of the lead element, the medical aidman of another platoon sustained serious wounds and could not breathe. Braving hostile fire, he skillfully performed a tracheotomy on his wounded comrade who resumed breathing and was evacuated. Later as he was treating a casualty, an enemy fragmentation grenade fell near him and the wounded man. He instantly grabbed the grenade and threw it into a nearby bomb crater and then eliminated the enemy soldier who had thrown the device. After completing treatment, he carried the American to a landing zone for evacuation. On the following day, Specialist Schoch treated and evacuated four wounded soldiers who had been well forward in a maneuver toward the summit of the mountain. On 15 May, as the battle for the hill still raged, a helicopter carrying ammunition was downed by hostile fire. Despite the fact that the burning aircraft might explode at any moment, Specialist Schoch ran to the wreckage and retrieved an unconscious survivor and carried him through a barrage of sniper fire to safety where he administered first aid, saving the man's life. For the remainder of the day and until 18 May, he took charge of medical treatment and evacuation on the emergency landing zone. Specialist Four Schoch's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 133 (1970) *SCHUBERT, JOEL LUTHER
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
Date of Action: October 24, 1967
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joel Luther Schubert, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Schubert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 October 1967 while serving as senior medical aidman to an infantry company conducting a search and destroy operation deep in enemy territory. As the company was moving through thick jungle underbrush, the lead element was savagely attacked by a well camouflaged Viet Cong squad, and suffered several wounded troops. When he heard their urgent pleas for medical aid, Private Schubert, without hesitation, rushed to treat his stricken comrades. Despite the intensity of the hostile fire, he courageously moved through the bullet swept area to within fifteen meters of a Viet Cong emplacement and administered first aid to a seriously injured soldier. While treating the casualty, Private Schubert was wounded by a burst of enemy automatic weapons fire. Despite his wound, he gallantly began moving from one casualty to the next, applying his skill until he had expended his medical supplies. He then crawled back to the friendly positions, resupplied himself and returned to continue his lifesaving mission amid the hail of enemy bullets. He received a mortal wound as he feverishly treated his fallen comrades. Private First Class Schubert's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 6442 (December 14, 1967)
Home Town: San Francisco, California *SCHWELLENBACH, GARY RALPH
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade,
Date of Action: December 27, 1967
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gary Ralph Schwellenbach, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a platoon aidman with Company A, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. On 27 December 1967, during a heliborne assault into an enemy held landing zone, Corporal Schwellenbach's unit was taken under heavy enemy automatic weapons and sniper fire. Although seriously wounded shortly after arriving on the landing zone, Corporal Schwellenbach continued to aid the wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved among the wounded in the open area of the landing zone which was receiving the most intense enemy fire. Moving his comrades t cover he was wounded a second time. Refusing medical aid for himself, he continued his mission. He received a third and fatal wound while administering aid to a wounded man. The actions of Corporal Schwellenbach saved the lives of many wounded troopers and his indomitable spirit encourage all who witnessed his acts. Corporal Schwellenbach's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity, at the cost of his life, are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country.
General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 57 (October 17, 1968)
Home Town: Chico, California SOPPE, RONALD J.
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
Date of Action: September 11, 1968
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ronald J. Soppe, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Soppe distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 September 1968 while serving as a medical aidman during an enemy assault on the Ben Cui rubber plantation. His company was attacked at its night logger location by an estimated enemy battalion. Specialist Soppe immediately began moving from position to position under the aggressors' barrage of antitank rocket, machine gun and small arms fire, searching for casualties and administering first aid. When a nearby armored vehicle was set on fire by a direct hit, he ran to the track and quickly extinguished the blaze. Attempting to reach an injured comrade, he was severely wounded in the arm by fragments from an enemy rocket. Disregarding his own welfare, he continued on to the wounded man, treated him and carried him to a safe position. Despite his painful wound, Specialist Soppe constantly exposed himself to hostile fire as he went to the aid of six other injured soldiers. Alter the battle, he helped load the wounded on a helicopter and remained behind in case of a second assault. Specialist Four Soppe's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5845 (December 26, 1968)
Home Town: West Union, Iowa *SOWELL, RONALD
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Date of Action: October 24, 1969
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ronald Sowell, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Sowell distinguished himself on 24 October 1969 while serving as a medic during an airmobile operation. On this date his company came under intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy force in a well-fortified bunker complex. the friendly element assaulted the hostile emplacements three times, attempting to rout the enemy from their positions. During the final assault the third platoon suffered numerous casualties and Specialist Sowell began to maneuver through the hostile fusillade to their aid. He crawled to within five feet of an enemy bunker to treat a wounded comrade and then carried him to the relative safety of the friendly defensive lines where he insured the casualty would receive treatment. Again he returned through the hail of enemy rounds to help another wounded soldier and while evacuating him Specialist Sowell was seriously wounded by rifle fire. After bringing his fellow soldier to safety, he received medical attention but refused evacuation. Despite the withering volley of fire, he again advanced to within five feet of an occupied bunker to administer aid to another wounded man. As he was carrying the soldier back to cover behind the perimeter, Specialist Sowell was shot again and fatally wounded. He managed to drag his comrade to cover before succumbing. His courage and devotion to duty at the sacrifice of his own life saved the lives of two of his comrades. Specialist Four Sowell's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4390 (December 6, 1969)
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania *SQUIRES, DAVID RAY
Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 3, 1968
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to David Ray Squires, Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Five Squires distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 June 1968 while serving as a medic during a search and clear operation in Dinh Tuong Province. Although his own unit was assigned to base camp security and not committed to battle, Specialist Squires volunteered to aid another battalion which was in contact with the Viet Cong and receiving many casualties. He was flown by helicopter to an area of fierce fighting. Once on the ground, Specialist Squires constantly exposed himself for a period of three hours to the aggressors' heavy automatic, rocket and small arms fire to administer first aid and assist in carrying wounded men to safe evacuation points. Informed that a casualty lay exposed to the hostile fusillade only twenty-five meters from a communist bunker, he went sixty meters beyond the front line to reach the man. As he bandaged his injured comrade, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. his courage and professional treatment saved many lives and contributed greatly to his fellow soldiers' moral. Specialist Five Squires' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5037 (October 31, 1968)
Home Town: Louisville, Kentucky *STAHL, PHILLIP THOMAS (MIA)
Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army
Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces
Date of Action: March 9 &10, 1966
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Phillip Thomas Stahl, Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. During the period 9 and 10 March 1966, Special forces Detachment A-102 was attacked by two Viet Cong regiments at Camp A Shau, Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 9 March 1966, Specialist Stahl, the team medic, took his position on the camp's south wall. The insurgents began the attack with mortar and small arms fire inflicting heavy casualties on the friendly forces. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Specialist Stahl exposed himself to drag the wounded from the open to areas of safety in order that he might treat their wounds. He was constantly running from position to position giving medical aid to the wounded. While doing this, he received two painful wounds, one in his left forearm, partially paralyzing his hand, and the other in his right leg. Despite these wounds he again braved the intense fire to rescue several Americans lying wounded in the center of the camp. Through the remainder of the day he continued in giving medical aid to the wounded while paying little attention to his own painful wounds, and also helped in the evacuation of his comrades while refusing to be evacuated himself. On the morning of 10 March 1966, the Viet Cong launched another regimental sized infantry assault. Personally manning a machine gun, he killed numerous insurgents as they threw wave after wave against Specialist Stahl's position. His find example of courage helped the defenders stall the Viet Cong main assault. Once more the insurgents mounted a full scale assault and Specialist Stahl returned to his position to continue firing the machine gun until the barrel glowed red hot. He resisted the onslaught by killing scores of attackers. As the insurgents moved within grenade range, Specialist Stahl was mortally wounded. Specialist Five Stahl's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 163 (July 18, 1966)
Home Town: Pompano Beach, Florida STARK, PETER M.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Detachment A-362, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces
Date of Action: January 4, 1968
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Peter M. Stark, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-362, Company A, 5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant Stark distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 January 1968 as medic of a Special Forces patrol on a combat mission in Tay Ninh Province. Shortly after infiltration into the area of operations, the team located vacated enemy bunkers, huts and a base camp. The patrol found a storage area showing signs of recent use, and deployed along a trail to ambush Viet Cong elements that might approach it. Three enemy soldiers moved into the trap and one was taken prisoner. Sergeant Stark immediately treated the man for wounds he suffered in the ambush. The team then came under attack from an unknown size enemy force and moved toward a helicopter landing zone for extraction. Sergeant Stark repeatedly halted under the intense enemy fire to administer lifesaving treatment to the prisoner. He and the prisoner were among the first to be loaded aboard the rescue helicopter. As the pilot readied for takeoff, the ship was hit by a devastating barrage of rocket grenades, machine gun and automatic weapons fire. The craft became airborne but crashed thirty meters from the landing zone. Sergeant Stark had had both legs severed by the exploding rocket grenades. Completely disregarding his painful wounds, he crawled across the crash site to treat a severely injured comrade. When another soldier came to his aid, Sergeant Stark directed the man to treat the casualty while applying tourniquets to his own legs. He refused to be pulled out of the line of continuing enemy fire until the other wounded were moved to safety. Sergeant Stark's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2681 (June 4, 1968) |
