Medal of Honor Recipient: First Lieutenant George K. Sisler
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant , U.S.
Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group
(Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam .
7 February 1967 .
Entered service at: Dexter ,
Mo. Born: 19 September 1937 , Dexter , Mo.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and
above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Sisler was the platoon
leader/adviser to a Special United States/Vietnam exploitation force. While on
patrol deep within enemy dominated territory, 1st Lt. Sisler's platoon was
attacked from 3 sides by a company sized enemy force. 1st Lt. Sisler quickly
rallied his men, deployed them to a better defensive position, called for air
strikes, and moved among his men to encourage and direct their efforts.
Learning that 2 men had been wounded and were unable to pull back to the
perimeter, 1st Lt. Sisler charged from the position through intense enemy fire
to assist them. He reached the men and began carrying 1 of them back to the
perimeter, when he was taken under more intensive weapons fire by the enemy.
Laying down his wounded comrade, he killed 3 onrushing enemy soldiers by firing
his rifle and silenced the enemy machinegun with a grenade. As he returned the
wounded man to the perimeter, the left flank of the position came under
extremely heavy attack by the superior enemy force and several additional men
of his platoon were quickly wounded. Realizing the need for instant action to
prevent his position from being overrun, 1st Lt. Sisler picked up some grenades
and charged single-handedly into the enemy onslaught, firing his weapon and
throwing grenades. This singularly heroic action broke up the vicious assault
and forced the enemy to begin withdrawing. Despite the continuing enemy fire,
1st Lt. Sisler was moving about the battlefield directing force and several
additional men of his platoon were quickly wounded. His extraordinary
leadership, infinite courage, and selfless concern for his men saved the lives
of a number of his comrades. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and
uphold the highest traditions of the military service.
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