Medal of Honor: George Alan Ingalls - Vietnam War - April 16, 1967

Name: George Alan Ingalls
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company A, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Date of Action: April 16, 1967
Location: Near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 16 April 1967, Specialist Fourth Class George Alan Ingalls distinguished himself during a night ambush mission near Duc Pho, Vietnam.

Ingalls and his squad from Company A had established an ambush position in darkness.

Shortly afterward, an enemy soldier entered the killing zone and was shot while attempting to escape capture.

Believing more enemy troops would follow, the squad remained in place.

Two quiet hours passed.

Then, without warning, a hand grenade was thrown from nearby dense undergrowth into the center of the American position.

The grenade failed to explode.

Moments later, a second grenade landed directly between Ingalls and another nearby soldier.

He had enough time to leap clear and save himself.

Instead, in an immediate act of selfless courage, Ingalls threw himself onto the grenade.

He absorbed the full force of the blast with his own body.

The explosion mortally wounded him, but his action saved the lives of the remaining members of his squad.

His gallantry, devotion to comrades, and willingness to give his life for others reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

INGALLS, GEORGE ALAN

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Ingalls, a member of Company A, accompanied his squad on a night ambush mission. Shortly after the ambush was established, an enemy soldier entered the killing zone and was shot when he tried to evade capture. Other enemy soldiers were expected to enter the area, and the ambush was maintained in the same location. Two quiet hours passed without incident, then suddenly a hand grenade was thrown from the nearby dense undergrowth into the center of the squad’s position. The grenade did not explode, but shortly thereafter a second grenade landed directly between Sp4c. Ingalls and a nearby comrade. Although he could have jumped to a safe position, Sp4c. Ingalls, in a spontaneous act of great courage, threw himself on the grenade and absorbed its full blast. The explosion mortally wounded Sp4c. Ingalls, but his heroic action saved the lives of the remaining members of his squad. His gallantry and selfless devotion to his comrades are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon Sp4c. Ingalls, his unit, and the U.S. Army.