George Alan Ingalls

Shielded his squad from a grenade during night ambush action

George Alan Ingalls was born on March 9, 1946, in Hanford, California. He attended Norco Junior High and Corona High School, took part in local sports, and led the Community Church of Norco youth group. He served as a specialist fourth class with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

On April 16, 1967, his squad established a night ambush near Duc Pho, South Vietnam. After two quiet hours, enemy grenades landed among the soldiers. Ingalls could have sought cover, but threw himself onto a grenade beside a comrade. Its blast mortally wounded him and saved the remaining members of his squad.

He died that day, aged 21, and is buried at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Riverside, California. His family received his posthumous Medal of Honor at the Pentagon on January 30, 1969. His sacrifice remains an example of devotion to fellow soldiers.

Medal of Honor Citation

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.