BELCHER, TED

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division

Place: Plei Djerang, Republic of Vietnam

Date 19 November 1966

Entered service at: Huntington, West Virginia

Born: 21 July 1924, Accoville, West Virginia

Citation:

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.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: BELCHER

First name: TED

Home of Record (official): LYNCO

State (official): WV

Date of Birth: Monday, July 21, 1924

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Army

Rank: SGT

Serial Number: 35657249

Component: Regular

Pay grade: E5

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B40

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Tuesday, October 4, 1966

Date of Casualty: Saturday, November 19, 1966

Age at time of loss: 42

Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died

Reason: Other explosive device (Ground casualty)

Country: South VietNam

Province: Unknown/Not Reported

The Wall: Panel 12E - Row 086

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