Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

Laszlo Rabel

Details
  • Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Team Delta, 74th Infantry Detachment (Long Range Patrol),
    173d Airborne Brigade
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 13, 1968
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Rabel distinguished himself while serving as leader of Team Delta, 74th Infantry Detachment. At 1000 hours on this date, Team Delta was in a defensive perimeter conducting reconnaissance of enemy trail networks when a member of the team detected enemy movement to the front. As S/Sgt. Rabel and a comrade prepared to clear the area, he heard an incoming grenade as it landed in the midst of the team's perimeter. With complete disregard for his life, S/Sgt. Rabel threw himself on the grenade and, covering it with his body, received the complete impact of the immediate explosion. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, S/Sgt. Rabel averted the loss of life and injury to the other members of Team Delta. By his gallantry at the cost of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, S/Sgt. Rabel has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Medal of Honor Recipient Laszlo Rabel
Medal of Honor Recipient Laszlo Rabel
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: April 7, 1970

    The White House, presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his family

  • Born: September 21, 1937, Budapest, Hungary
  • Died: November 13, 1968, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Arlington National Cemetery (MH) (52-1326), Arlington, VA, United States
 

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