SISLER, GEORGE K.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces.

Place: Republic of Vietnam

Date: 7 February 1967.

Entered service at: Dexter, Mo.

Born: 19 September 1937, Dexter, Mo.

Citation:

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 force and several additional men of his platoon were quickly 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.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: SISLER
First name: GEORGE KENTON
Home of Record (official): DEXTER
State (official): MO
Date of Birth: Sunday, September 19, 1937
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Army
Rank: 1LT
Serial Number: OF110068
Component: Regular
Pay grade: O2
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 31542

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Thursday, June 9, 1966
Date of Casualty: Tuesday, February 7, 1967
Age at time of loss: 29
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Unknown/Not Reported
The Wall: Panel 15E - Row 007

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