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Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Lawrence Joel.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2899 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine Army SFC Lawrence Joel. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the U.S. Citizenship and immigration Services website..
In the thick jungles of Vietnam in 1966, Army SFC Lawrence Joel found himself amidst chaos. The sounds of gunfire echoed through the air, drowning out the cries of the wounded. As a medic, his mission was clear: save lives, no matter the cost.
On that fateful day, his unit was ambushed. The enemy was relentless, and the wounded soldiers lay scattered, some in desperate need of immediate care. Without a second thought, Joel charged into the fray. Bullets whizzed past him, but he pressed on, his training guiding every step.
He reached the first soldier, a young private who lay bleeding heavily. Joel administered first aid, his hands steady despite the tumult around him. Each life he saved fueled his determination. As he moved from one soldier to another, he realized the gravity of his actions; he wasn’t just patching wounds but providing hope.
After hours of relentless effort, Joel had treated countless men, dragging them to safety and tending to their injuries. His courage was infectious, inspiring those around him to fight back. When the firefight finally subsided, Joel emerged, battered but unbroken, having saved 13 lives that day.
For his extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication, SFC Lawrence Joel received the Medal of Honor, but to him, the real reward was knowing he had made a difference. Years later, he often reflected on that day, not just as a soldier, but as a healer, embodying the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines true heroism.
Listen to Episode 2899 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Lawrence Joel.
