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On this day in 1968, Specialist Fourth Class Gary Wetzel went above and beyond the call of duty while serving our nation during the Vietnam War, for which he would later receive the Medal of Honor. Sp4c. Wetzel, 173d Assault Helicopter Company, was serving as a door gunner during a helicopter insertion pinned down by intense enemy fire. While moving to aid his aircraft commander, he was critically wounded by two enemy rockets, losing his left arm and sustaining severe additional injuries. Despite massive blood loss and extreme pain, Sp4c. Wetzel returned to his gun position and delivered the only effective fire against the enemy, destroying an automatic-weapons emplacement that was inflicting heavy casualties on friendly forces. Refusing medical attention, he repeatedly attempted to reach his wounded aircraft commander, regaining consciousness after collapsing from blood loss and continuing his efforts. Even after losing consciousness again, Sp4c. Wetzel assisted his crew chief in evacuating the wounded commander to safety. 🫡