RABEL, LASZIO

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 74th Infantry Detachment (Long Range Patrol), 173d Airborne Brigade

Place: Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 13 November 1968

Entered service at: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Born: 21 September 1939, Budapest, Hungary

Citation:

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

S/Sgt. Rabel distinguished himself while serving as leader of Team Delta, 74th Infantry Detachment. At 1000 hours on this date, Team Delta was in a defensive perimeter conducting reconnaissance of enemy trail networks when a member of the team detected enemy movement to the front. As S/Sgt. Rabel and a comrade prepared to clear the area, he heard an incoming grenade as it landed in the midst of the team's perimeter. With complete disregard for his life, S/Sgt. Rabel threw himself on the grenade and, covering it with his body, received the complete impact of the immediate explosion. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, S/Sgt. Rabel averted the loss of life and injury to the other members of Team Delta. By his gallantry at the cost of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, S/Sgt. Rabel has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

--- General / Personal ---

Last name: RABEL
First name: LASZIO
Home of Record (official): MINNEAPOLIS
State (official): MN
Date of Birth: Thursday, September 21, 1939
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Army
Rank: SSG
Serial Number: 17738385
Component: Regular
Pay grade: E6
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11F4P

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Monday, June 6, 1966
Date of Casualty: Wednesday, November 13, 1968
Age at time of loss: 29
Casualty type: (A2) Hostile, died of wounds
Reason: Other explosive device (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Binh Dinh
The Wall: Panel 39W - Row 062

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to: Medal Of Honor Recipients