Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Vietnam Medal of honor recipient Army Sp4 George C. Lang.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2919 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 George C. Lang. Information featured in this episode comes from the Washington Post.
The humid jungle of Vietnam crackled with enemy gunfire. It was February 22, 1969, and Army Specialist Fourth Class George C. Lang, serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, found himself in a dire battle near Kien Hoa Province. The Viet Cong ambush was sudden and overwhelming, but Lang’s courage was unwavering.
A thunderous explosion ripped through the air, sending shrapnel tearing into Lang’s body. Severely wounded and bleeding, he could have retreated to safety. Instead, he stayed in the fray, determined to protect his comrades. Despite his injuries, Lang grabbed his M16 and returned fire with precision, covering his unit’s movements.
As the battle raged on, Lang’s heroic actions bought precious time for his comrades to regroup and launch a counterattack. Though his wounds left him permanently disabled, his sacrifice saved countless lives that day.
For his extraordinary gallantry and selflessness, George C. Lang was awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation tells of a soldier who, in the face of certain danger, chose valor over safety. Lang’s actions remind us of the profound courage it takes to defend others, even at the greatest personal cost.
Although immobilized and in great pain, he continued to direct his men until his evacuation was ordered over his protests. The sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness exhibited by this soldier over an extended period of time were an inspiration to his comrades and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
Listen to Episode 2919 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 George C. Lang.
