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Medal of Honor recipient Army SFC Lawrence Joel.
Episode 3208 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam MoH recipient SFC Lawrence Joel. The featured story is titled Medic’s heroism earns nation’s highest honor and it appeared on the Bonner County Daily Bee website. The Story was submitted by Roger Gregory. He served as captain in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He is a Priest River businessman.
Gregory reported that Lawrence Joel was a U.S. Army sergeant first class who served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, distinguishing himself through extraordinary courage as a combat medic. During the Vietnam War, he was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and took part in intense combat operations.
On November 8, 1965, while on patrol near Bien Hoa in War Zone D, Joel’s unit was ambushed by a large Viet Cong force that outnumbered them roughly eight to one. Despite heavy enemy fire, he focused on treating wounded soldiers. Ignoring orders to remain under cover, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire to reach injured men. Nearly every soldier in the lead squad was killed or wounded. Even after being shot in the right thigh and calf, Joel refused evacuation and continued administering medical aid. Under relentless fire, with bullets striking the ground around him, he treated 13 wounded soldiers during the initial assault.
After the first wave of fighting subsided, the company moved out but was struck again. Joel once more tended to the wounded as the battle stretched on for 24 grueling hours. When it ended, 419 Viet Cong soldiers were reported dead. Only then was Joel evacuated for treatment of his injuries.
For his conspicuous gallantry and selfless devotion to his fellow soldiers, Joel received both the Silver Star and the Medal of Honor. He was the first medic awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War and the first African American recipient since 1898. He retired in 1973, died in 1984, and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
His heroism reflects the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of the Vietnam Veteran generation — men and women who endured extraordinary hardship, fought with honor under difficult and often controversial circumstances, and whose courage and commitment continue to stand as a testament to their greatness.
Listen to Episode 3208 and discover more about Vietnam MoH recipient SFC Lawrence Joel.
