John Gary Gertsch

Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. A highly decorated Vietnam soldier, he received the award posthumously (presented to his sister) from Vice President Gerald R. Ford at Blair House, Washington DC, on July 17, 1974, for his actions as a staff sergeant with Company E, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, US Army, from July 15-19 1969, in the A Shau Valley, South Vietnam. After graduating from high school in 1963, he joined the US Army two years later. Following his training, he served a tour of duty in Germany and was then sent to South Vietnam. On July 15, 1969 his platoon became involved in a series of clashes with the enemy. He took over command after their leader was wounded and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers and attack the enemy, and four days later, he was mortally wounded. He was also the recipient of the Silver Star )with one oak leaf cluster), the Bronze Star (with two oak leaf clusters), and the Purple Heart (with two oak leaf clusters). His Medal of Honor citation reads: "S/Sgt. Gertsch distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant and platoon leader during combat operations in the A Shau Valley. During the initial phase of an operation to seize a strongly defended enemy position, S/Sgt. Gertsch's platoon leader was seriously wounded and lay exposed to intense enemy fire. Forsaking his own safety, without hesitation S/Sgt. Gertsch rushed to aid his fallen leader and dragged him to a sheltered position. He then assumed command of the heavily engaged platoon and led his men in a fierce counterattack that forced the enemy to withdraw. Later, a small element of S/Sgt. Gertsch's unit was reconnoitering when attacked again by the enemy. S/Sgt. Gertsch moved forward to his besieged element and immediately charged, firing as he advanced. His determined assault forced the enemy troops to withdraw in confusion and made possible the recovery of 2 wounded men who had been exposed to heavy enemy fire. Sometime later his platoon came under attack by an enemy force employing automatic weapons, grenade, and rocket fire. S/Sgt. Gertsch was severely wounded during the onslaught but continued to command his platoon despite his painful wound. While moving under fire and encouraging his men he sighted an aidman treating a wounded officer from an adjacent unit. Realizing that both men were in imminent danger of being killed, he rushed forward and positioned himself between them and the enemy nearby. While the wounded officer was being moved to safety S/Sgt. Gertsch was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Without S/Sgt. Gertsch's courage, ability to inspire others, and profound concern for the welfare of his men, the loss of life among his fellow soldiers would have been significantly greater. His conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit on him and the Armed Forces of his country."