Medal of Honor: Edgar Lee McWethy, Jr. – Vietnam War – June 21, 1967

Name: Edgar Lee McWethy, Jr.
Rank: Specialist Fifth Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Date of Action: June 21, 1967
Location: Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 21 June 1967, Specialist Fifth Class Edgar Lee McWethy, Jr., served as a medical aidman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment during combat operations in Binh Dinh Province.

His platoon had been dispatched to secure the site of a downed helicopter. Shortly after establishing a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, a large enemy force attacked from three directions with automatic weapons fire and grenades.

The platoon leader and his radio operator were among the first casualties.

Without hesitation, McWethy sprinted across the fire-swept battlefield to reach them. Although the radio operator was mortally wounded, McWethy administered first aid to the platoon leader, enabling him to continue directing the defense during the critical opening moments of the battle.

Hearing additional cries for help elsewhere on the perimeter, McWethy again exposed himself to enemy fire and moved across open ground toward wounded soldiers.

He was struck in the head and knocked to the ground.

Despite the wound, he rose and continued forward.

Moments later he was hit again, this time in the leg.

Ignoring his injuries and the growing danger around him, McWethy reached the wounded soldiers and treated their injuries.

Then he noticed another rifleman lying in an exposed position that was being raked by enemy fire.

Without hesitation, he left cover once more and moved toward the fallen soldier.

Enemy bullets struck him a third time, but he continued crawling forward until he reached his comrade.

Although seriously wounded, weakened, and suffering extreme pain, McWethy attempted to save the soldier by administering artificial respiration.

While performing this final act of mercy under direct enemy fire, he suffered a fourth and fatal wound.

His extraordinary courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and unwavering devotion to his fellow soldiers inspired the men around him and contributed greatly to the successful defense of the position and the defeat of the attacking enemy force.

Specialist Fifth Class Edgar Lee McWethy, Jr.'s selfless devotion to duty embodied the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

MCWETHY, EDGAR LEE, JR.

Rank and organization: Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

Place and date: Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 June 1967.

Entered service at: Denver, Colorado.

Born: 22 November 1944, Leadville, Colorado.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Serving as a medical aidman with Company B, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy accompanied his platoon to the site of a downed helicopter. Shortly after the platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, a large enemy force attacked the position from three sides with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and grenades. The platoon leader and his radio operator were wounded almost immediately, and Specialist Fifth Class McWethy rushed across the fire-swept area to their assistance. Although he could not help the mortally wounded radio operator, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy’s timely first aid enabled the platoon leader to retain command during this critical period. Hearing a call for aid, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy started across the open toward the injured men, but was wounded in the head and knocked to the ground. He regained his feet and continued on but was hit again, this time in the leg. Struggling onward despite his wounds, he gained the side of his comrades and treated their injuries. Observing another fallen rifleman lying in an exposed position raked by enemy fire, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy moved toward him without hesitation. Although the enemy fire wounded him a third time, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy reached his fallen companion. Though weakened and in extreme pain, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy gave the wounded man artificial respiration but suffered a fourth and fatal wound. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety, and demonstrated concern for his fellow soldiers, Specialist Fifth Class McWethy inspired the members of his platoon and contributed in great measure to their successful defense of the position and the ultimate rout of the enemy force. Specialist Fifth Class McWethy’s profound sense of duty, bravery, and willingness to accept extraordinary risks in order to help the men of his unit are characteristic of the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.