"Pfc. Wetzel, an acting squad leader with the Antitank Company of the
13th Infantry, was guarding his platoon's command post in a house at
Birken, Germany, during the early morning hours of 3 April 1945, when he
detected strong enemy forces moving in to attack. He ran into the
house, alerted the occupants and immediately began defending the post
against heavy automatic weapons fire coming from the hostile troops.
Under cover of darkness the Germans forced their way close to the
building where they hurled grenades, 2 of which landed in the room where
Pfc. Wetzel and the others had taken up firing positions. Shouting a
warning to his fellow soldiers, Pfc. Wetzel threw himself on the
grenades and, as they exploded, absorbed their entire blast, suffering
wounds from which he died. The supreme gallantry of Pfc. Wetzel saved
his comrades from death or serious injury and made it possible for them
to continue the defense of the command post and break the power of a
dangerous local counterthrust by the enemy. His unhesitating sacrifice
of his life was in keeping with the U.S. Army's highest traditions of
bravery and heroism."
From PFC. Wetzel's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on February 26, 1946.
May you be at peace,
Brian
May you be at peace,
Brian
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