Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

George Kenton Sisler

Details
  • Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne),
    1st Special Forces
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: February 7, 1967
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Republic of Vietnam
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life 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 three 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 two 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 one 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 three onrushing enemy soldiers by firing his rifle and silenced the enemy machine gun 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 singlehandedly 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 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.
Medal of Honor Recipient George K. Sisler
Medal of Honor Recipient George K. Sisler
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Dexter, Stoddard County, Missouri
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: June 27, 1968
    The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of the Army Stanley R. Resor to his family
  • Born: September 19, 1937, Dexter, Stoddard County, MO, United States
  • Died: February 7, 1967, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Dexter Cemetery (MH) (3-706), Dexter, MO, United States
 

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