Walter C. Wetzel-Margraten, Limburg, Netherlands - Medal Of Honor Resting Places on Waymarking.com

He was born in 1919 in Huntington, WV and died on April 3, 1945 in Birken, Germany. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *WETZEL, WALTER C.
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 13th Infantry, 8th Infantry Division
• Place and date: Birken, Germany, 3 April 1945
• Entered service at: Roseville, Mich.
• G.O. No.: 21, 26 February 1946
Citation: Pfc. Wetzel, an acting squad leader with the Antitank Company of the 13th Infantry, was guarding his platoon's command post in a house at Birken, Germany, during the early morning hours of 3 April 1945, when he detected strong enemy forces moving in to attack. He ran into the house, alerted the occupants and immediately began defending the post against heavy automatic weapons fire coming from the hostile troops. Under cover of darkness the Germans forced their way close to the building where they hurled grenades, 2 of which landed in the room where Pfc. Wetzel and the others had taken up firing positions. Shouting a warning to his fellow soldiers, Pfc. Wetzel threw himself on the grenades and, as they exploded, absorbed their entire blast, suffering wounds from which he died. The supreme gallantry of Pfc. Wetzel saved his comrades from death or serious injury and made it possible for them to continue the defense of the command post and break the power of a dangerous local counterthrust by the enemy. His unhesitating sacrifice of his life was in keeping with the U.S. Army's highest traditions of bravery and heroism.

Armed Service: Army

Visit Instructions:
To properly log your find, post a photograph of the medal recipient's grave marker. Do not place anything on the grave when taking the photo. If you have more information about the recipient please include it in your log.

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.