SABEL, JOEL MICHAEL
SABEL, JOEL MICHAEL
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry
Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate),
Date of Action: July 10, 1967
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joel
Michael Sabel, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne
Brigade (Separate). Specialist Four Sabel distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 10 July 1967 while serving as a medic of an Airborne
infantry company on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. When his company
came under heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from a well entrenched enemy
force, Specialist Sabel repeatedly ignored his own safety to move among his
wounded comrades to treat them. Seriously wounded himself, he refused medical
aid and instructed others in treating the injured while he bandaged his own
wounds. He continued to expose himself to the withering hostile fire while
rendering constant aid to others despite his own injuries. With mortar and
automatic weapons falling around him, he never stopped to consider his own
welfare. He was mortally wounded while bravely caring for the needs of his
comrades in the face of grave danger. Specialist Four Sabel's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
HQ US
Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4663 (September 14, 1967)
Home Town: West Covina, California
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