Edgar Lee McWethy, Jr.
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| Edgar Lee McWethy, Jr. | |
|---|---|
| November 22, 1944 – June 21, 1967 (aged 22) | |
  Specialist Fifth Class Edgar McWethy |
|
| Place of birth | Leadville, Colorado |
| Place of death | Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Rank | Specialist Fifth Class |
| Unit | 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Edgar Lee McWethy, Jr. (November 22, 1944 – June 21, 1967) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.
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[edit] Biography
McWethy joined the Army from Denver, Colorado, and by June 21, 1967 was a specialist fifth class serving as a combat medic in Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). During a firefight on that day, in Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, McWethy repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to treat his wounded comrades despite being wounded three times himself. He continued to help his fellow soldiers until suffering a fourth and fatal wound.
McWethy, aged 22 at his death, was buried in Pence Cemetery, Baxter Springs, Kansas.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
Specialist McWethy's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
- For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Serving as a medical aidman with Company B, Sp5c. McWethy accompanied his platoon to the site of a downed helicopter. Shortly after the platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, a large enemy force attacked the position from 3 sides with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and grenades. The platoon leader and his radio operator were wounded almost immediately, and Sp5c. McWethy rushed across the fire-swept area to their assistance. Although he could not help the mortally wounded radio operator, Sp5c. McWethy's timely first aid enabled the platoon leader to retain command during this critical period. Hearing a call for aid, Sp5c. McWethy started across the open toward the injured men, but was wounded in the head and knocked to the ground. He regained his feet and continued on but was hit again, this time in the leg. Struggling onward despite his wounds, he gained the side of his comrades and treated their injuries. Observing another fallen rifleman lying in an exposed position raked by enemy fire, Sp5c. McWethy moved toward him without hesitation. Although the enemy fire wounded him a third time, Sp5c. McWethy reached his fallen companion. Though weakened and in extreme pain, Sp5c. McWethy gave the wounded man artificial respiration but suffered a fourth and fatal wound. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety, and demonstrated concern for his fellow soldiers, Sp5c. McWethy inspired the members of his platoon and contributed in great measure to their successful defense of the position and the ultimate rout of the enemy force. Sp5c. McWethy's profound sense of duty, bravery, and his willingness to accept extraordinary risks in order to help the men of his unit are characteristic of the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Edgar Lee McWethy, Jr. at Find A Grave Retrieved on 2007-07-09
- Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipients (M-Z). Medal of Honor Citations. U.S. Army Center of Military History (October 3, 2003). Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
