Clarence “Sonny” Szejbach; how real heroes behave
AverageNCO sends us a link to an article from the Traverse City, Michigan Record Eagle about Clarence “Sonny” Szejbach who saved his commander by throwing away a grenade which had landed near the officer on June 6, 1969. He’s finally being recognized for that selfless act which took his arm and peppered him with shrapnel when that grenade exploded as it left his hand;
Szejback recently visited Antrim County Veterans Office counselor Deborah Peters, and she realized Szejbach had not received recognition for his heroism.
“I saw there was not a Purple Heart listed on his documents,” said Peters, who requested an Army review of Szejbach’s service record.
Peters subsequently received a correction notification that stated Szejbach wasn’t only eligible for the Purple Heart, but he also was in line to receive the Distinguished Service Cross and eight other citations.
“I was shocked when I realized what he was entitled to,” Peters said.
Szejbach voiced more than surprise when he learned of the impending — if long overdue — honors.
“At first I questioned whether it was a mistake, but I will take them at their word,” he said
“I thought I was just doing what was expected of me in the heat of the battle,” said Szejbach, 63, who lost his right hand and sustained severe neck and facial injuries during an enemy attack.
Category: Real Soldiers
Bingo, Jonn. If anyone here wants someone they can legitimately call a hero, here he is.
Well done, soldier. Damn well done. You didn’t have to risk your life this way to save another’s – but you did.
I offer apologies on the behalf of all of us that you weren’t properly recognized earlier.
Indeed, well done, soldier. I wonder how many others have slipped through the cracks and not gotten what was due them.
The word “hero” is sometimes used in ways that might cheapen it.
This IS the way it should be used!
Ms. Peters deserves a “Bravo Zulu” for recognizing that SP4 Szejbach had not been awarded the Purple Heart, and for getting a review done of his records.
And it says volumes about him that he didn’t even ask about the PH after he was medivacked, much less any awards for his act of valor and courage. A hell of an example for the rest of us.
Yep. Hero certainly fits this gentleman. Thank you for your service and welcome home.
“. . . a grenade which had landed near the officer on June 6, 1969.”
All we heard from the Mendacity Stream Media —
(“FRAGGING OFFICERS BY ENLISTED MEN IN VIETNAM”)
(typical sample) .
I DO NOT RECALL a bunch of GOOD STORIES about Fighting Men,
at the time .