George C. Lang

George C. Lang

Medal of Honor Recipient – United States Army

On 22 February 1969, Specialist Four George Charles Lang displayed extraordinary courage during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Bến Tre, Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a squad leader with Company A, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.

Although scheduled to depart on military leave, Lang answered the call when his company sergeant requested one final patrol. Knowing that many of the soldiers under his command were also nearing the end of their combat tours, he voluntarily assumed the most dangerous position in the formation—walking point. Wearing a brand-new pair of spit-shined boots intended for his journey home, he instead led his men into one of the most perilous moments of their service.

As the patrol advanced through dense enemy-held terrain, it was suddenly met by devastating automatic weapons fire from a concealed North Vietnamese Army bunker complex. Without hesitation, Lang charged directly into the storm of bullets. Reaching the first bunker, he destroyed it with accurately thrown hand grenades, eliminating the immediate threat to his platoon.

Moments later, a second bunker unleashed heavy fire that pinned down the advancing Americans. Once again acting entirely on his own initiative, Lang rushed the position, assaulted it at close quarters, destroyed the emplacement, and secured a large cache of enemy weapons.

Almost immediately, a third bunker opened fire. Realizing his men remained exposed, Lang calmly judged the timing of a grenade’s fuse before rolling it with remarkable precision into the bunker opening. The explosion completely silenced the final enemy strongpoint, allowing his squad to continue its advance.

While returning to recover the captured weapons, Lang was struck in the back by a burst of enemy automatic fire. The bullets collapsed a lung, lacerated a kidney, and severed his spinal cord, leaving him instantly paralyzed from the waist down.

Despite unimaginable pain and the realization that he could no longer move, Lang refused medical attention and continued directing his men, shouting fire commands and encouraging them to press the attack until his evacuation was ordered. His determination and leadership ensured the success of the mission while inspiring every soldier who witnessed his actions.

George C. Lang survived his grievous wounds but spent the remainder of his life paralyzed. His fearless assaults against three fortified enemy positions, performed at extraordinary personal risk and followed by steadfast leadership despite catastrophic injuries, saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. For his conspicuous gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty above and beyond the call of duty, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, one of the Vietnam War’s most remarkable examples of battlefield heroism.

Citation: Medal of Honor Citation, U.S. Army; U.S. Army Center of Military History; Congressional Medal of Honor Society.