With a cowboy hat, a bunch of medals, and a grin that’s seen hell and come back laughing, Gary Wetzel reminds us that real strength doesn’t need two arms—just one hell of a heart. Image Credit: Department of Defense
As horrible at it is, war has a way of allowing ordinary people to do extraordinary things. To show their true colors. Such is the case of Gary George Wetzel one of America’s 61 living Medal of Honor recipients. His extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War earned him the Medal of Honor and a place in the pantheon of American heroes.
Early Life: Growing up in the Midwest
It was a typical upbringing for the time. Born on September 29, 1947, in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gary Wetzel was the second of nine children in a bustling household. His father, a World War II veteran, worked in a factory, while his mother took on part-time nursing to support the family. Growing up, Wetzel was immersed in the quintessential American childhood—joining the Boy Scouts, playing baseball, and idolizing figures like John Wayne, who epitomized rugged individualism and respect. By 18, the call to serve led him to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1965.
Into the Fire: Wetzel’s Journey to Vietnam
After completing basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and serving as a heavy equipment instructor at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Wetzel felt an insatiable pull toward the front lines. At a time when many were fighting to keep out of the war, his persistent requests for deployment were finally granted, and in October 1966, he arrived in Vietnam. Initially assigned to an ordnance unit responsible for delivering ammunition, Wetzel’s thirst for direct engagement led him to volunteer for a second tour as a door gunner with the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company, 11th Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade.
As we might have said back in the day, Wetzel wanted to “Get Some.”
The Defining Moment: January 8, 1968
The morning of January 8, 1968, near Ap Dong An, Republic of Vietnam, unfolded with a harrowing intensity that would test the mettle of any soldier. Wetzel’s helicopter was part of an insertion force that found itself ensnared in a deadly ambush. As they descended into the landing zone, enemy fire erupted with ferocity. An RPG struck their aircraft, causing it to crash-land amidst a hail of bullets and shrapnel.
Amidst the chaos, Wetzel noticed his aircraft commander severely wounded and in dire need of assistance. Without hesitation, he moved to help but was violently thrown into a rice paddy by the explosion of two enemy rockets that detonated mere inches away. The blasts inflicted devastating injuries: his left arm was nearly severed, and he sustained grievous wounds to his right arm, chest, and left leg.
Despite the excruciating pain and life-threatening injuries, Wetzel’s resolve remained unshaken. He managed to return to his gun well, where his machine gun stood as the sole bastion of effective fire against the encroaching enemy. Through sheer determination, he continued to engage the hostile forces, neutralizing an automatic weapons emplacement that had been inflicting heavy casualties on American troops.
As horrible at it is, war has a way of allowing ordinary people to do extraordinary things. To show their true colors. Such is the case of Gary George Wetzel one of America’s 61 living Medal of Honor recipients. His extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War earned him the Medal of Honor and a place in the pantheon of American heroes.
Early Life: Growing up in the Midwest
It was a typical upbringing for the time. Born on September 29, 1947, in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gary Wetzel was the second of nine children in a bustling household. His father, a World War II veteran, worked in a factory, while his mother took on part-time nursing to support the family. Growing up, Wetzel was immersed in the quintessential American childhood—joining the Boy Scouts, playing baseball, and idolizing figures like John Wayne, who epitomized rugged individualism and respect. By 18, the call to serve led him to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1965.
Into the Fire: Wetzel’s Journey to Vietnam
After completing basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and serving as a heavy equipment instructor at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Wetzel felt an insatiable pull toward the front lines. At a time when many were fighting to keep out of the war, his persistent requests for deployment were finally granted, and in October 1966, he arrived in Vietnam. Initially assigned to an ordnance unit responsible for delivering ammunition, Wetzel’s thirst for direct engagement led him to volunteer for a second tour as a door gunner with the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company, 11th Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade.
As we might have said back in the day, Wetzel wanted to “Get Some.”
The Defining Moment: January 8, 1968
The morning of January 8, 1968, near Ap Dong An, Republic of Vietnam, unfolded with a harrowing intensity that would test the mettle of any soldier. Wetzel’s helicopter was part of an insertion force that found itself ensnared in a deadly ambush. As they descended into the landing zone, enemy fire erupted with ferocity. An RPG struck their aircraft, causing it to crash-land amidst a hail of bullets and shrapnel.
Amidst the chaos, Wetzel noticed his aircraft commander severely wounded and in dire need of assistance. Without hesitation, he moved to help but was violently thrown into a rice paddy by the explosion of two enemy rockets that detonated mere inches away. The blasts inflicted devastating injuries: his left arm was nearly severed, and he sustained grievous wounds to his right arm, chest, and left leg.
Despite the excruciating pain and life-threatening injuries, Wetzel’s resolve remained unshaken. He managed to return to his gun well, where his machine gun stood as the sole bastion of effective fire against the encroaching enemy. Through sheer determination, he continued to engage the hostile forces, neutralizing an automatic weapons emplacement that had been inflicting heavy casualties on American troops.
Even as his body teetered on the brink of collapse from blood loss, Wetzel’s commitment to his comrades never wavered. He attempted to assist his wounded aircraft commander, pushing his physical limits until unconsciousness overtook him. Upon regaining consciousness, he persisted in his efforts, aiding the crew chief in dragging their commander to the safety of a nearby dike. His unwavering devotion and heroic actions were instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.
Recognition and Aftermath
For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Gary G. Wetzel was awarded the Medal of Honor. President Lyndon B. Johnson presented him with the nation’s highest military decoration on November 19, 1968, in a solemn ceremony at the White House.
The injuries Wetzel sustained necessitated the amputation of his left arm, marking the beginning of a long and painful journey of recovery. Yet, true to his indomitable spirit, he refused to be defined by his wounds. Returning to his roots in South Milwaukee, Wetzel carved out a life as a heavy equipment operator, embodying the principles of resiliency and determination sewn during his midwestern upbringing.
A Legacy of Service and Inspiration
Wetzel’s commitment to service extended beyond the battlefield. He became a beacon of inspiration, particularly to those facing physical challenges. A poignant example of his enduring compassion is his relationship with Bella Zizzo, a young girl born without fingers on her left hand. Moved by her story, Wetzel organized charity events to support her, facilitating her attendance at specialized camps and a family trip to Disney World. She often referred to him as “Grandpa Gary,” the old one-armed soldier proving to the young girl that differences should be embraced.
His contributions have been recognized through various honors, including the naming of the Gary G. Wetzel Medal of Honor Way in Milwaukee and the Gary G. Wetzel Way nature trail at Camp American Legion in Wisconsin. These tributes demonstrate his enduring impact on his community and the nation.
Reflections on Valor
Gary Wetzel’s narrative is more than a tale of wartime heroics; it is evidence of the resilience of the human spirit and the depths of selflessness. His actions on that fateful day in 1968 exemplify the core values of courage, commitment, and sacrifice. In his own words, he views the Medal of Honor not as a personal accolade but as a symbol worn for all who have served:
“Every time I put this on, it’s a trip. I tell people when I wear this medal I wear it for everybody.”
Thanks, Gary. The SOFREP community honors your sacrifice.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Guy D. McCardle is a sixteen-year veteran of the United States Army and most recently served as a Medical Operations Officer during OIF I and OIF II. He holds a degree in Biology from Washington & Jefferson College and is a graduate of the US Army Academy of Health Sciences. Guy has been a contributing writer to Apple News, Business Insider, International Business Times, and
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