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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2944 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.
The Bravery of Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.
Amidst the dense, unforgiving jungles of Vietnam in 1967, Army Specialist Fifth Class Edgar Lee McWethy Jr. epitomized the spirit of selflessness and valor. As a combat medic assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), McWethy faced a life-defining moment during a ferocious firefight in Binh Dinh Province.
On July 21, his unit was ambushed by a heavily fortified enemy force. Chaos erupted as bullets rained down and explosions shook the earth. Despite the imminent danger, McWethy’s instinct to save lives overpowered any thought of his own safety. He moved swiftly from one wounded soldier to the next, providing medical aid under intense fire.
When a soldier fell critically injured in an exposed area, McWethy did not hesitate. He dashed into the open, fully aware of the deadly risk. As he reached the soldier, enemy fire struck him multiple times. Severely wounded, McWethy continued his mission, shielding the injured soldier with his own body while rendering aid.
Though gravely injured, he refused evacuation and instead directed others in administering care, ensuring his comrades had a fighting chance to survive. Moments later, a fatal burst of fire claimed McWethy’s life.
For his extraordinary courage, self-sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to his fellow soldiers, McWethy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy endures as a beacon of heroism, reminding future generations of the price of freedom and the depths of human valor.
Edgar Lee McWethy Jr. was not merely a medic; he was a guardian angel in the hell of war.
Listen to Episode 2944 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp5 Edgar Lee McWethy Jr.
