SCHWELLENBACH, GARY RALPH
SCHWELLENBACH, GARY RALPH
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne
Brigade,
Date of Action: December 27, 1967
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gary
Ralph Schwellenbach, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism
in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an
armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a platoon
aidman with Company A, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne
Brigade. On 27 December 1967, during a heliborne assault into an enemy held
landing zone, Corporal Schwellenbach's unit was taken under heavy enemy
automatic weapons and sniper fire. Although seriously wounded shortly after
arriving on the landing zone, Corporal Schwellenbach continued to aid the
wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved among the wounded
in the open area of the landing zone which was receiving the most intense enemy
fire. Moving his comrades t cover he was wounded a second time. Refusing medical
aid for himself, he continued his mission. He received a third and fatal wound
while administering aid to a wounded man. The actions of Corporal Schwellenbach
saved the lives of many wounded troopers and his indomitable spirit encourage
all who witnessed his acts. Corporal Schwellenbach's conspicuous gallantry,
extraordinary heroism and intrepidity, at the cost of his life, are in the
highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect the utmost credit upon
himself and the armed forces of his country.
Department
of the Army, General Orders No. 57 (October 17, 1968)
Home Town: Chico, California
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