John Gerry Gertsch

U.S. Army
Medal Of Honor, Vietnam

 Photo Courtesy of HomeOfHeroes.com

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During the initial phase of an operation to seize a strongly defended enemy position, Staff Sergeant Gertsch's platoon leader was seriously wounded and lay exposed to intense enemy fire. Without hesitation Gertsch rushed to aid his fallen leader and dragged him to a sheltered position. He then assumed command of the heavily engaged platoon and led his men in a fierce counterattack that forced the enemy to withdraw. Later, a small element of his unit was reconnoitering when attacked again by the enemy. Staff Sergeant Gertsch immediately charged, firing as he advanced. His determined assault forced the enemy to withdraw in confusion and made possible the recovery of two wounded men. Still later his platoon came under attack and Staff Sergeant Gertsch was severely wounded during the onslaught but continued to command his platoon despite his painful wound. While moving under fire and encouraging his men he sighted an aidman treating a wounded officer from an adjacent unit. Realizing that both men were in imminent danger of being killed, he rushed forward and positioned himself between them and the enemy nearby. While the wounded officer was being moved to safety Staff Sergeant Gertsch was mortally wounded by enemy fire.

John Gertsch was raised in several foster homes in Philadelphia in the late 1950s. He never had any real family until he joined the Army. His family became the comrades with whom he served. In addition to the Medal of Honor he earned THREE Silver Stars, FOUR Bronze Stars, and FIVE Purple Hearts.

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