George K. Sisler

He rescued wounded men and broke a deadly assault under fire

George Kenton Sisler was born in Dexter, Missouri, on 19 September 1937. His military career began in the Army National Guard in 1956, followed by service in the Army Reserve and four years on active duty with the U.S. Air Force. He enlisted in the Regular Army in 1964 and received his commission through Officer Candidate School on 22 June 1965.

During the Vietnam War, Sisler served as a first lieutenant associated with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Behind that recorded assignment, he worked with the Studies and Observations Group, known as MACV-SOG, conducting covert operations.

On 7 February 1967, Sisler was advising a platoon on patrol in enemy-controlled territory when a company-sized force attacked from three sides. He organized a defensive position and called for air support. Discovering two wounded men outside the perimeter, he went to their assistance under fire. While carrying one back, he stopped to fight approaching soldiers and silenced a machine gun with a grenade.

Another assault threatened the left flank. Sisler charged with his rifle and grenades, breaking the attack. He was subsequently mortally wounded while directing air strikes against the withdrawing enemy.

He was twenty-nine. Secretary of the Army Stanley R. Resor presented his posthumous Medal of Honor to his family at the Pentagon on 27 June 1968. Sisler is buried in Dexter Cemetery, Missouri.