Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

Ted Belcher

Details
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry,
    25th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 19, 1966
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Plei Djerang, Republic of Vietnam
Citation
Distinguishing himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life. Sgt. Belcher's unit was engaged in a search-and-destroy mission with Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, the Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon, and a Special Forces company of Civilian Irregular Defense Group personnel. As a squad leader of the 2d Platoon of Company C, Sgt. Belcher was leading his men when they encountered a bunker complex. The reconnaissance platoon, located a few hundred meters northwest of Company C, received a heavy volume of fire from well-camouflaged snipers. As the 2d Platoon moved forward to assist the unit under attack, Sgt. Belcher and his squad, advancing only a short distance through the dense jungle terrain, met heavy and accurate automatic-weapons and sniper fire. Sgt. Belcher and his squad were momentarily stopped by the deadly volume of enemy fire. He quickly gave the order to return fire and resume the advance toward the enemy. As he moved up with his men, a hand grenade landed in the midst of the sergeant's squad. Instantly realizing the immediate danger to his men, Sgt. Belcher, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, lunged forward, covering the grenade with his body. Absorbing the grenade blast at the cost of his life, he saved his comrades from becoming casualties. Sgt. Belcher's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest tradition of the U.S. Army and reflect credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
Medal of Honor Recipient Ted Belcher
Medal of Honor Recipient Ted Belcher
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: December 6, 1968
    The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of the Army Stanley R. Resor to his family
  • Born: July 21, 1924, Accoville, Logan County, WV, United States
  • Died: November 19, 1966, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Greenwood Cemetery (PMH) (Soldier's Field), Zanesville, OH, United States
 

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