McWETHY, EDGAR LEE, JR.

Rank and organization: Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Place: Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 21 June 1967

Entered service at: Denver, Colorado

Born: 22 November 1944, Leadville, Colorado

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Serving as a medical aid man 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.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: MC WETHY
First name: EDGAR LEE JR
Home of Record (official): LEADVILLE
State (official): CO
Date of Birth: Wednesday, November 22, 1944
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single

--- Military ---

Branch: Army
Rank: SP5
Serial Number: 55808442
Component: Selective Service
Pay grade: E5
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 91B20

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Wednesday, September 21, 1966
Date of Casualty: Wednesday, June 21, 1967
Age at time of loss: 22
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Binh Dinh
The Wall: Panel 22E - Row 032

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