Army medic's bravery under fire earned Medal of Honor

In Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, June 21, 1967, Specialist 5th Class Edgar McWethy of the 1st Air Cav Division was later awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

He was serving as a medic with Company B. He accompanied his platoon to the site of a downed helicopter. The platoon set up a defensive perimeter, but a large enemy force attacked them from three sides with a heavy volume of machine-gun fire and grenades. The platoon leader and his radioman were wounded immediately.

McWethy rushed across enemy machine-gun fire to their assistance. The radio operator was mortally wounded, but he aided the platoon leader.

Hearing another call for aid, he started across to the wounded man but was wounded in the head and knocked to the ground. He regained his feet and proceeded again, but was hit a second time, this time in the leg. He struggled onward despite his wounds, crawling to the injured men. While doing so, he was hit by a bullet for the third time.

Though weak and in extreme pain, he gave a wounded man artificial respiration, saving his life. Then he was hit a fourth time; the wound was fatal, and he died.

SP5 McWethy inspired members of his platoon and contributed to the defense of their position, and ultimately routed the enemy. His profound sense of duty, bravery, and willingness to accept extraordinary risks were in the highest tradition of military service and were a great credit to himself and the United States Army.

Roger Gregory served as a captain in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He is a Priest River businessman.