George K. Sisler
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| George Kenton Sisler | |
|---|---|
| September 19, 1937 – February 7, 1967 (aged 29) | |
 Army Medal of Honor |
|
| Place of birth | Dexter, Missouri |
| Place of death | Republic of Vietnam |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/branch |  United States Army |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit | 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Bronze Star Purple Heart |
George Kenton Sisler (September 19, 1937–February 7, 1967) was a United States Army officer 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
Sisler joined the Army from his birth city of Dexter, Missouri, and by February 7, 1967 was serving as a first lieutenant in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. On that day, when his unit came under heavy enemy attack in the Republic of Vietnam, Sisler organized the defense, rescued a wounded soldier, and single-handedly attacked an enemy position before being mortally wounded. For his actions during the battle, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Sisler, aged 29 at his death, was buried at Dexter Cemetery in his hometown of Dexter, Missouri. He was a 1964 graduate of Arkansas State College (now Arkansas State University) with a degree in education.[1]
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
First Lieutenant Sisler's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
- For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Sisler was the platoon leader/adviser to a Special United States/Vietnam exploitation force. While on patrol deep within enemy dominated territory, 1st Lt. Sisler's platoon was attacked from 3 sides by a company sized enemy force. 1st Lt. Sisler quickly rallied his men, deployed them to a better defensive position, called for air strikes, and moved among his men to encourage and direct their efforts. Learning that 2 men had been wounded and were unable to pull back to the perimeter, 1st Lt. Sisler charged from the position through intense enemy fire to assist them. He reached the men and began carrying 1 of them back to the perimeter, when he was taken under more intensive weapons fire by the enemy. Laying down his wounded comrade, he killed 3 onrushing enemy soldiers by firing his rifle and silenced the enemy machinegun with a grenade. As he returned the wounded man to the perimeter, the left flank of the position came under extremely heavy attack by the superior enemy force and several additional men of his platoon were quickly wounded. Realizing the need for instant action to prevent his position from being overrun, 1st Lt. Sisler picked up some grenades and charged single-handedly into the enemy onslaught, firing his weapon and throwing grenades. This singularly heroic action broke up the vicious assault and forced the enemy to begin withdrawing. Despite the continuing enemy fire, 1st Lt. Sisler was moving about the battlefield directing air strikes when he fell mortally wounded. His extraordinary leadership, infinite courage, and selfless concern for his men saved the lives of a number of his comrades. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the military service.
[edit] Namesake
- The USNS Sisler, a Navy Supply ship, is named after him.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ George Kenton
- ^ Ellement, John R. (2007-08-11). Fire damages Navy ship in drydock. The Boston Globe.
[edit] References
- George K. Sisler at Find A Grave Retrieved on 2007-06-18
- Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipients. Medal of Honor Citations. U.S. Army Center of Military History (October 3, 2003). Retrieved on 2007-06-18.
