US PARAS 2 Schwellenbach, Gary Ralph

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John Robertson

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Schwellenbach​
  • FORENAME
Gary Ralph​
  • UNIT
503 Infantry Regiment (Airborne) (Company A,3 Bn)​
  • RANK
Private First Class​
  • NUMBER
18907134​
  • DATE OF DEATH
27th December 1967​
  • AGE
19​
  • GRAVESITE
Glen Oaks Memorial Park,Chico,Butte County,California​
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Chico,California​
born 15.6.1948​
married​
entered service August 1966​
award D.S.C.​
promoted Cpl posthumously​
KIA Xom Dap,Phu Yen Province,South Vietnam​
Vietnam Veterans Memorial,Washington,D.C. Panel 32E Line 81​
​
 

DATE OF DEATH:

27-Dec-1967

CITATION:

Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Gary Ralph Schwellenbach (ASN: RA-18907134), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a platoon Aidman with Company A, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. On 27 December 1967, during a heliborne assault into an enemy held landing zone, Corporal Schwellenbach's unit was taken under heavy enemy automatic weapons and sniper fire. Although seriously wounded shortly after arriving on the landing zone, Corporal Schwellenbach continued to aid the wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved among the wounded in the open area of the landing zone which was receiving the most intense enemy fire. Moving his comrades t cover he was wounded a second time. Refusing medical aid for himself, he continued his mission. He received a third and fatal wound while administering aid to a wounded man. The actions of Corporal Schwellenbach saved the lives of many wounded troopers and his indomitable spirit encourage all who witnessed his acts. Corporal Schwellenbach's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity, at the cost of his life, are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country.
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