Major Charles “Chuck” Kettles closer to MOH award
The Ann Arbor News reports that Charles Kettles is a step closer to having his Distinguished Service Cross upgraded to a Medal of Honor for his actions on May 15, 1967 when he rescued eight soldiers who had been stranded on a Landing Zone after the Major’s aircraft had cleared the “hot LZ”. You should read the story at the link above.
The article reports that Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has signed off on the paperwork for the Medal of Honor and now it goes to Congress before the President signs off on it. Here’s a link to Kettles’ citation for the DSC.
Category: Real Soldiers
I think, that after the medic, the type soldier most respected by the Infantryman, during Vietnam, had to be the HUEY crewmen. Major Chuck Kettles was one such crewman, going “above and beyond”, to serve the troops and perform his duties.
Sounds rather familiar.
http://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=32214
http://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=32357
Hopefully Congress and the POTUS both approve.
A fellow Redleg Major
Awesome
Also I’m ashamed to say that as a fellow Michigander I’ve never heard of this Gentleman. I’m going to contact our chapter of the Field Artillery Association to make sure they see this
Major Charles Kettles is a warrior, a hero and a fighter of extraordinary courage. He left no man behind at his own peril. If that doesn’t earn the Medal Of Honor, I don’t know what would. Bravo Zulu Major. There are many men alive today who will stand with me to off you a honorable Hand Salute Sir.
Sparks….you always seem to get it just right.
Great comments above.
An MOH seems to be the appropriate earned award!!!!
There’s a pilot who didn’t have to buy his own beers for awhile. Just reading about Kettles makes you want to grab a weapon and duck.
Since I’m usually curious about who was doing what, where, and when, I looked up the location of Duc Pho and LZ Bronco. It turns out they were located about 10 miles south of Quang Ngai City on the central coast of II Corps, and not the Central Highlands. As a matter of trivia, the Americal Division would find itself in a jam again a year later 5 miles northeast of Quang Ngai in a small place called My Lai 4.
I’m not sure this going back and upgrading of awards is such a great thing.
Wouldn’t be necessary if the awards process was done by a computer without humans involved with our biases & prejudices
Bravery above and beyond, too bad it took 48 years to get the recognition so well deserved. Does anyone know if the Co-pilot, Crew Chief, or Door Gunner were ever awarded proper medals for their part of this mission? Thank You
I was his door gunner for a very very short time. He is still my hero. He saved my life and over forty others. He should have been decorated with the Medal of Honor long long ago. Roland Scheck
He, Major Kettles recommended me for the Distinguished Flying Cross and CW-4 Ray Seacrest received the Silver star and Distinguished Flying Cross. I am not sure which. Roland Scheck
Major Kettles you are responsible for me having the life I now enjoy. One of the many you saved that day. Thank you.