Gary Wetzel, MOH recipient in motorcycle accident

Someone sent us the news that Gary Wetzel, a veterans’ advocate and Medal of Honor recipient, was on his way to the Sturgis motorcycle rally when he was in a serious motorcycle accident.

[Jeffrey Dentice], Wetzel’s long-time friend, told FOX6 News Wetzel was about 30 miles outside La Crosse on Sunday, August 7th when he laid down his motorcycle at 60 miles-per-hour.

“Something happened with his foot getting on the bike, trying to get on the pedal, and either that broke or his foot got caught and down he went on the highway,” Dentice said.

Dentice said Wetzel suffered a broken shoulder and pelvis.

“Serious road rash and just a lot of pain and hurting,” Dentice said.

Of course, Wetzel has been in worse predicaments. This is from his Medal of Honor citation;

Sp4c. Wetzel, 173d Assault Helicopter Company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life. above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Wetzel was serving as door gunner aboard a helicopter which was part of an insertion force trapped in a landing zone by intense and deadly hostile fire. Sp4c. Wetzel was going to the aid of his aircraft commander when he was blown into a rice paddy and critically wounded by 2 enemy rockets that exploded just inches from his location. Although bleeding profusely due to the loss of his left arm and severe wounds in his right arm, chest, and left leg, Sp4c. Wetzel staggered back to his original position in his gun-well and took the enemy forces under fire. His machinegun was the only weapon placing effective fire on the enemy at that time. Through a resolve that overcame the shock and intolerable pain of his injuries, Sp4c. Wetzel remained at his position until he had eliminated the automatic weapons emplacement that had been inflicting heavy casualties on the American troops and preventing them from moving against this strong enemy force. Refusing to attend his own extensive wounds, he attempted to return to the aid of his aircraft commander but passed out from loss of blood. Regaining consciousness, he persisted in his efforts to drag himself to the aid of his fellow crewman. After an agonizing effort, he came to the side of the crew chief who was attempting to drag the wounded aircraft commander to the safety of a nearby dike. Unswerving in his devotion to his fellow man, Sp4c. Wetzel assisted his crew chief even though he lost consciousness once again during this action. Sp4c. Wetzel displayed extraordinary heroism in his efforts to aid his fellow crewmen.

Category: Real Soldiers