Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.

He braved heavy fire to reach wounded men and save his mates

Edgar Lee McWethy Jr. served as a medical aidman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Born in Leadville, Colorado, on 22 November 1944, he worked at the local post office before being drafted in 1964. After medical training, he went to Vietnam in September 1966 and became a specialist fifth class.

On 21 June 1967 his platoon established a perimeter around a downed helicopter in Binh Dinh Province. An enemy force attacked from three directions with automatic weapons and grenades. McWethy crossed the exposed ground to the wounded platoon leader and radio operator. The operator could not be saved, but his treatment enabled the leader to remain in command.

Hearing further calls, McWethy moved toward other casualties. A head wound knocked him down; he rose and continued. A second wound struck his leg, yet he reached the men and treated them. He then went to an exposed rifleman, receiving a third wound along the way. While attempting to restore the man's breathing, he was fatally hit.

His family received his posthumous Medal of Honor from President Richard Nixon at the White House on 16 October 1969. He was buried in Pence Cemetery near Baxter Springs, Kansas. His repeated return to casualties remains central to his record as an Army medic.

Official Medal of Honor 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, Sp5c. 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 3 sides with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and grenades. The platoon leader and his radio operator were wounded almost immediately, and Sp5c. McWethy rushed across the fire-swept area to their assistance. Although he could not help the mortally wounded radio operator, Sp5c. McWethy's timely first aid enabled the platoon leader to retain command during this critical period. Hearing a call for aid, Sp5c. McWethy started across the open toward the injured men, but was wounded in the head and was 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, Sp5c. McWethy moved toward him without hesitation. Although the enemy fire wounded him a third time, Sp5c. McWethy reached his fallen companion. Though weakened and in extreme pain, Sp5c. 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, Sp5c. 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. Sp5c. McWethy's profound sense of duty, bravery, and his 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 U.S. Army.