William L. Albracht; Three Silver Stars
The other day, we talked about Francis Graham, the former UDT Navy diver and Special forces Vietnam veteran, and it reminded me of a few months ago when a member of the media asked me to check on William L. Albracht, who he’d heard had earned three Silver Stars, so off I went to Military Times’ Hall of Heroes thinking I’d bumped into another phony – but lo and behold, he had actually earned three Silver Stars, from October 1969 to May 1970. You can read the citations at the link.
The last one had been awarded in December 2012, reported by the Quad-City Times;
Just 21 years old then, Albracht — one of the youngest Army Special Forces captains — arrived at a remote outpost in South Vietnam known as Fire-Base Kate on Oct. 28, 1969. That same day, North Vietnamese forces attacked the base.
“Against great odds and while being greatly outnumbered by the North Vietnamese, Capt. Albracht led
his soldiers through the first wave of attacks,” Smith said, adding that Albracht and his men were outnumbered 40-1. “It was not looking good for the home team.”
While under enemy fire, Albracht carried a wounded soldier to safety and then risked his life again by directing medical evacuation helicopters.
“At one point, he exposed himself to enemy fire to wave off approaching Medevac helicopters — who were vulnerable to B-40 rockets — while attempting to land,” Smith said.
Later wounded himself, Albracht refused treatment and evacuation “so he could lead the fight.”
Days later with supplies running low, he executed orders to evacuate the remaining 150 U.S. soldiers and South Vietnamese soldiers. On Nov. 1, 1969, he led the group through darkness into the dense jungle to link up with another unit five kilometers away.
“For six hours, Albracht and his men persevered, plowing through the jungle with the North Vietnamese in hot pursuit,” Smith said.
Finally near a wide-open clearing, he “sensed a military force was present but was unsure the other side was occupied by the friendly ‘Mike-Force’ or a North Vietnamese ambush. Albracht then walked alone through the clearing to find the friendly ‘Mike-Force’ was on the other side.” He then led his soldiers “stealthily through more enemy lines” to safety.
You can read the whole story about the “Miraculous Escape from Firebase Kate” at the Vietnam Veterans Association. His Congresswoman, Cheri Bustos, has asked the Secretary of the Army to review the story and consider Mr. Albracht for the award of the Medal of Honor.
Added: Someone tells us that a book is coming out next year about Mr. Albracht; ABANDONED IN HELL: The Forgotten Fight for Vietnam’s Firebase Kate.
Category: Real Soldiers
These are the stories we all love to read. It is because of the real heroes like this that I hate posers.
God Bless the brave men and woman who have done and given so much for our nation.
To hell with those who would steal their honor for their own selfish benefit.
This man has more than earned the right to punch any fakers he encounters in the balls with impunity and extreme prejudice.
Yep. But many of us would volunteer to do it for him. Wouldn’t want him to be bothered, or mess up his likely nicely polished shoes.
I’ve read about this guy before somewhere.
Sounds like one of the parts of the Green Beret John Wayne movie.
This man definitely deserves an upgrade to MOH.
William L. Albracht, all my respect sir. Glad we had men like you than and now. God bless and keep you Sir.
I wish I had 1/1000 of the courage this man has. Good article.
See, this site is more than busting phonies! This is the type of man who inspires others to serve and, through his legacy, continues to serve his country. A 21-year old Captain? There’s gotta be a hell of a story there……
I agree.
Someone tells us that a book is coming out next year about Mr. Albracht; ABANDONED IN HELL: The Forgotten Fight for Vietnam’s Firebase Kate.
I don’t remember who said it but I have heard this somewhere.
They never sought out glory or awards. It was just some little guy that has had enough of the bull shit and stands up and does what needs to be done.
Just one little guy doin’ his job.
And I would bet that is exactly how he feels. Just doin’ his job.
And we all thank you for doing it as well as you did.
Truly an MOH candidate. Too bad it wasn’t recognized back then.
The actions still remain though and with the book the story will be told for years after this great American is gone.
Thank you Captain.
Attention:
Present Arms:
Order arms:
At ease troops; smoke ’em if you got ’em. Roll ’em if you don’t !!!
Major. Freaking. Stones.
I marvel at this type of story. He was a SF LT at 19, c/o OCS, a certified ass kicker when his teenage peers were doing whatever the hell they were doing. Three Silver Stars, three Purple Hearts, and five bronze stars–by the time he was of voting age. Holy Hannah.
Thank the Lord, that such men live.
Amen brother….
And once again we have an actual, real, live, genuine, A1 BADASS whose Man Card will never expire.
These are the guys who make posers look even more like wet pieces of cardboard.
I happen to have met Capt Albracht up in Moline when he received an award a couple years ago. Just about what you would expect, quiet and not trying to impress anyone.
I also remember March of 1966 when our squadron went into Ahu Shau valley to retrieve the Greennie beanies and the Montaengaurds (sp) after the army refused to go get them. We lost a couple helicopters and our CO had to play sneak and peek along with those he was trying to rescue. All said and done, things worked out well.
He just emailed that his book is coming out in February. I love this job.
I am in total awe of men like this. At the same age, 21, I was not even close to being such a natural fighter and leader.
One of the greats our country has produced.
Captain Albracht’s story is now available in a new documentary from Storytellers International. See http://escapefromfirebaeskate.com