Medal of Honor 2020 | Page 17

Gary B. Beikirch U.S. Army/Vietnam S gt . G ary B. B eikirch was awarded for his actions as a medical aidman, Detachment B-24, Company B, during the defense of Camp Dak Seang. The allied defenders suffered a number of casualties as a result of a devastating and well-concealed attack. Sgt. Beikirch, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved through the withering enemy fire to his fallen comrades, applied first aid to their wounds and helped them to the medical aid station. Although he was wounded seriously by fragments from an exploding enemy mortar shell, Sgt. Beikirch carried an American officer to a medical aid station. Ignoring his own serious injuries, Sgt. Beikirch left the relative safety of the medical bunker to search for and evacuate other men who had been injured. He was again wounded as he dragged a critically injured Vietnamese soldier to the medical bunker while simultaneously administering CPR. Sgt. Beikirch again refused treatment until he collapsed. Only then did he permit himself to be treated. Sgt. Beikirch’s complete devotion to the welfare of his comrades, at the risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army. Photo courtesy Tony Avila WE SALUTE AMERICA’S GREATEST HEROES! Now Seeing... Adult Primary Care Patients 940-612-0200 1108 N. Grand Ave. Gainesville, TX Open 7 Days 10:30-10:00PM MEDAL OF HONOR 2 0 2 0 17