MEDAL OF HONOR
Vietnam WarLive Webcast: Medal of Honor Ceremony
Watch the Medal of Honor ceremony live webcast, at
President will award the Medal of Honor to Captain Gary M. Rose for his heroic acts during the Vietnam War.
Live Webcast: Hall of Heroes Induction
Watch the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony live webcast, at
The U.S. Army will induct Captain Gary M. Rose into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. The Pentagon ceremony will add Captain Gary M. Rose's name to the distinguished roster in the Hall of Heroes, the Defense Department's permanent display of record for all recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Captain Gary M. Rose
born
October 17, 1947
hometown
Huntsville, Alabama
Enlistment date
April 4, 1967
Military Occupation (MOS)
18D Special Forces Medical Sergeant
Unit
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Deployments
Thailand, 1969; Republic of Vietnam, 1970; Panama, 1971-1973
Retired Capt. Gary “Mike” Rose enlisted in the U. S. Army, April 4, 1967. He attended basic training at Fort Ord, California, and Infantry Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia. After graduating from AIT, he was promoted to private first class and attended the U.S. Army Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia.
In October 1967, Rose began Special Forces Training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A year later, he graduated as a Special Forces medic and was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group. In April 1969, Rose was assigned to the 46th Special Forces Company, headquartered in Lopburi, Thailand. In April 1970, Rose was reassigned to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group, 5th Special Forces Group.
In April 1971, Rose attended the Spanish Language School in Anacostia, D.C., then assigned to the 8th Special Forces Group (later designated the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Group) in Panama until August 1973.
In August 1973, Rose was selected to attend Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Field Artillery in December 1973, and attended Field Artillery Officer Basic at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 1978, Rose attended the Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course followed by various field artillery assignments in Germany, New Mexico, Korea and Fort Sill.
Rose graduated in December 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in General Education and Military Science from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and a Masters of Arts in Communication from the University of Oklahoma in December 1989.
Rose retired from the U. S. Army in May 1987. He then worked as an instructional designer writing operator, user and maintenance manuals, as well as designing training for the manufacturing industry. He permanently retired in 2010. Rose has been married to his wife Margaret since 1971. They have three adult children and two grandchildren. In retirement, Rose has remained involved in charity activities primarily through the Knights of Columbus.
Rose’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster and “V” device, the Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with two knots, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign with star, Presidential Unit Citation (MAC SOG), Vietnam Civic Action Honor Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation – with Palm Combat Medical Badge, Special Forces Tab, U.S. Army Parachute Badge, Thai Army Parachute Badge, Vietnam Parachute Badge, and several service ribbons.
The Battle
Operation Tailwind
Sept. 11-14, 1970 | Chavane, Laos
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Sgt. Rose was serving as a Special Forces medic with a company-sized exploitation force consisting of Americans, Vietnamese and indigenous paramilitary Montagnard personnel that was inserted 70 kilometers inside enemy-controlled territory on Sept. 11, 1970.
Once on the ground, they moved deep into enemy territory. The company soon made contact with an enemy squad, wounding two Americans and two Montagnards. One of the wounded was trapped outside the company defensive perimeter. Rose, engaging the enemy, rushed to get the wounded Soldier. Rose rendered expert medical treatment and stabilized the wounded Soldier, and carried the man through the heavy gunfire back to the company defensive area.
When the enemy withdrew, the company continued deeper into enemy territory. The company engaged more enemy forces, and took more casualties. Bravely and courageously, with no regard to his own safety, Rose moved through the enemy fire to render lifesaving medical treatment to the mounting numbers of wounded, personally engaging the enemy in order to get to the wounded men.
The fire becoming so intense, Rose had to crawl from position to position to treat the wounded. As he moved, Rose gave words of encouragement and directed the fires of the inexperienced and terrified Vietnamese and Montagnard troops. Over the next few days, the unit marched west and deeper into the Laos jungle, defending against continuous attacks from squad to company-sized enemy elements. Air Force gunships overhead provided close-air support to keep the enemy at bay.
Wounded in Action
Rose received the most severe of many wounds on the second day of the mission. Rose’s wounds did not slow his eagerness or determination to save the wounded Soldiers.
During an assault by a company-sized element of North Vietnamese Army, one of the Montagnards was wounded 40 to 50 meters outside the company area. Rose ran, crawled, and maneuvered his way to this wounded man, shielding the Soldier with his own body, as he rendered lifesaving medical treatment. Rose then dragged the wounded Soldier back to the company with one hand while holding back and engaging the enemy with his weapon in the other hand.
"I got a hole blown through my foot about the size of my thumb."
- Retired Capt. Gary M. Rose
Rose was returning to the company area with the wounded Soldier when a rocket propelled grenade landed nearby, spraying Rose with shrapnel in his back, leg, and severely crippling his foot. Using a stick as a crutch, as he would for the remainder of the mission, Rose continued professionally treating the wounded while ignoring his own painful wounds.
Need for Medevac
The company had taken so many wounded that a medevac helicopter was called. The helicopter was unable to land in the small opening where the company sought cover, and Rose, standing and fully exposed to the withering enemy fire, attempted to pass the wounded up to the crew on the hovering helicopter. So intense was the enemy fire, the medevac pilot aborted the mission, and the severely damaged helicopter crashed a few miles away.
IMAGE: Map depicting the Operation Tailwind insertion point near Chavane, Laos, Sept. 11, 1970
Using close air support, the company was able to break out of their defensive position. Rose improvised litters for the wounded, which now numbered over half the company. Despite his own painful and debilitating wounds, Rose never took time to eat, rest, or care for his own wounds while treating his fellow Soldiers.
On the last night of the mission, the company was surrounded in their position. Rose worked tirelessly to dig trenches for the wounded and treat their injuries. The NVA bombarded the company all night with rockets, grenades and mortars. All night, Rose exposed himself to the enemy fire, courageously moving from position to position, encouraging the Soldiers and treating the numerous wounded.
On the last day of the mission, after destroying an enemy base camp, the company was notified by the forward air controller that over 500 NVA were moving on their position. The company was ordered to a helicopter extraction point as Air Force assets cleared their path, guiding the company to the next landing zone. Setting a perimeter around the LZ while each platoon was loaded up, the enemy assaulted them from 360 degrees.
"Your job [as a combat medic] is to maintain the person’s life, to keep them out of shock ... You’ve got to talk to the person. You’ve got to convince them that they’re going to be fine ... even in the chaos of battle."
- Retired Capt. Gary M. Rose
Time to Evacuate
The NVA, close on the heels of the company at the landing zone, caused even more casualties among the allied personnel. Rose moved under intense enemy fire of the assaulting NVA, completely exposing himself, to retrieve the allied dead and wounded and return them to the company defensive perimeter. In great pain, Rose continued to retrieve and medically treat Soldier after Soldier, under the withering enemy fire with no regard to his own safety.
With the arrival of the extraction helicopters, Rose returned to the outer defensive perimeter to engage the enemy and repel the continued and determined enemy assault.
Rose boarded the final extraction helicopter while delivering accurate aimed fire on the enemy as he hobbled up to the loading ramp. Numerous NVA soldiers were now overrunning the vacated landing zone, an estimated 50 meters from the aircraft.
Shortly after the helicopter lifted off, it was hit by enemy anti-aircraft rounds. At about 4,500 feet in the air, Rose heard the engine stop. Rose was alerted that a Marine door gunner on the extraction helicopter had been shot with an enemy round through his neck. Rose rushed to his aid, rendering lifesaving medical treatment that saved the Marine’s life before the helicopter crashed, several kilometers away from the initial extraction point.
Rose was thrown from the helicopter before the point of impact.
With the Soldiers on board wounded from the crash, the helicopter was smoking and leaking fuel. Still dazed and wounded from the crash, Rose crawled back into the downed helicopter to pull his wounded and unconscious teammates from the wreckage, knowing it could explode at any moment. Rose continued to professionally administer medical treatment to the injured personnel until another helicopter arrived on the scene to extract the men.
On return to base, Rose, covered in blood and wounds, refused all treatment until the other wounded men were attended to first.
Despite the many wounded, only three men died during the four days of almost constant contact with a superior enemy force deep in enemy territory. Rose is credited with treating 60-70 wounded personnel and saving many lives. Rose’s unwavering devotion to duty, professionalism and skill in his job as a medic, and extreme courage under heavy enemy fire, reflect great credit on himself, the Special Forces, and the United States Army.
"I remember sitting on the tailgate and all of a sudden the helicopter went quiet ... We're going to crash"
- Retired Capt. Gary M. Rose
Moving the wounded and unconscious men a safe distance away from the smoldering wreckage, Rose continued to professionally administer medical treatment to the injured personnel.
Another helicopter arrived on scene to extract the personnel. On return to base, Rose, covered in blood and wounds, refused all treatment until the other wounded men were attended to first.
Despite the many wounded, only three men died during the four days of almost constant contact with a superior enemy force deep in enemy territory. Rose’s unwavering devotion to duty, professionalism and skill in his job as a medic, and extreme courage under heavy enemy fire, reflect great credit on himself, the Special Forces, and the United States Army.
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
The 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was officially activated Sept. 21, 1961, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
A year later, elements of the 5th Special Forces Group began serving temporary duty tours in the Republic of Vietnam. Full deployment of the Group was completed in February 1965.
Units from within the group deployed from its operational base at Nha Trang, to the four military regions of Vietnam. Operational detachments established and manned camps at 254 different locations, to train and lead indigenous forces of the Civilian Irregular Defense Groups, and regular units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam.
The 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) also formed specialized units that conducted special reconnaissance and direct-action missions.
Despite being one of the smallest units engaged in the Vietnam conflict, the Group’s colors fly 20 campaign streamers. Soldiers from the group are among the most highly decorated warriors in the history of our nation.
To date, 17 Medals of Honor have been awarded (eight posthumously), to Soldiers in the group for actions in Vietnam.
The group was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) Vietnam 1966 to 1968, the Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Vietnam 1968; the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam 1964; and Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, 1st Class, Vietnam, 1968 to 1970.
On March 5, 1971, the colors of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) were returned to Fort Bragg by a 94-man contingent led by then-Col. (Retired Maj. Gen.) Michael D. Healy, thereby terminating their official Vietnam service.
For more information about special operations in Vietnam, download MACV: The Joint Command in the Years of Withdrawal, 1968-1973 (PDF - 4.8 MB).
The Ceremony
"Your will to endure, your love for your fellow Soldier, your devotion to your country inspires us all. I have to tell you, that is something. Nations are formed out of the strength and patriotism that lives in the hearts of our heroes."
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP,
White House Medal of Honor Ceremony, October 23, 2017
RELATED STORIES FROM ARMY.MIL
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) derives its lineage from the 1st Special Service Force, a combined Canadian-American regiment during the Second World War. The force was constituted on July 5, 1942, in the Army of the United States as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Battalion, 3rd Regiment, 1st Special Service Force.
Activated on July 9, 1942, the unit trained at Fort William Henry Harrison, Montana. The force participated in the Italian Campaign, and saw action in Southern France before being inactivated on February 6, 1945.
The 5th SFG (A) was constituted on 15 April 1960 in the Regular Army and designated Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th SFG (A), 1st Special Forces. On September 21, 1961, the 5th SFG (A) was officially activated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Just one year later, elements of the 5th SFG (A) began serving temporary tours of duty in the Republic of South Vietnam, with the full deployment of the group by February 1965. From its operational base at Nha Trang, the group deployed throughout the four military regions within South Vietnam. The group's operational detachments established and manned camps at 270 locations throughout South Vietnam, training and leading indigenous forces of the Civilian Irregular Defense Groups. Additionally, Soldiers from the group led units of indigenous forces conducting reconnaissance, and direct-action missions throughout Southeast Asia.
Although one of the smallest units engaged in Vietnam, the group colors fly 14 campaign streamers from that conflict, and its Soldiers are among the most decorated Soldiers in the history of our nation. Eighteen Medals of Honor were awarded to Soldiers of the 5th SFG (A) (nine posthumously). The group was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, two Valorous Unit Citations, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with palm) and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class.
On March 5, 1971, the colors of the 5th SFG (A) were returned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where the group remained until June 10, 1988 when the group colors were cased at a ceremony marking its departure from Fort Bragg. The colors were officially uncased on June 16, 1988.
The 5th SFG (A) added to its rich history of combat operations during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The group was called upon to conduct operations in Southwest Asia in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The group deployed in August 1990, and returned in April 1991. During this time, the Group conducted Foreign Internal Defense operations in support of the Saudi Arabian land forces and provided Coalition Support Teams to every allied contingent among the coalition; becoming what Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf would call "the glue that held the coalition together." The group also conducted Special Reconnaissance, Direct Action, and Combat Search and Rescue Missions.
For their service during Operation Desert Storm the group was awarded the Valorous Unit Citation on June 11, 1993.
Following Operation Desert Storm, the group conducted extensive security and humanitarian missions in Somalia and was called to support operations in Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo.
In the wake of September 11, 2001, the group was called upon to play a major role in the war on terror. The 5th SFG (A) was the first American unit deployed into Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. From October 2001 through April 2002, Special Forces detachments of the 5th SFG (A) conducted unconventional warfare against Taliban and Al Qaeda forces. Within six months, the 5th SFG (A), a regimental-sized force, effectively destroyed the popular base of the Taliban government and toppled the terrorist-sponsoring state of Afghanistan. The group was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its extraordinary accomplishments during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Immediately after redeploying to Fort Campbell, the group began preparations for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Within six months, elements of the Group deployed back into the theater of operations. In January 2003, the entire group completed deployment back to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Upon the commencement of combat operations, the group conducted the full array of Special Forces missions from Theater Ballistic Defense in the Western Desert to unconventional warfare in Southern and Central Iraq. These efforts facilitated the defeat of Saddam Hussein's regime.
From the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the fall of the Baath Regime in 2003 through the final withdrawal of U.S. Forces and the end of Operation New Dawn in 2011, 5th SFG (A) has provided the full spectrum of Special Operations in support of Coalition Forces and the Iraqi government. The pinnacle of these achievements are evident in the thousands of successful operations targeting terrorist and insurgent networks through the training and development of the most capable and effective Iraqi Military, Police and Special Operations Forces. Special Forces Soldiers have proven again to be our nation's ultimate combat multiplier, building skills and capabilities with multiple partner nation security forces across the CENTCOM area of operations, always prepared to execute the most hazardous and sensitive special operations when and where directed.
Recently, elements from 5th SFG (A) have returned to Afghanistan to train and advise Arab units participating in the international coalition. Additionally, detachments remain deployed throughout the CENTCOM area of operations, building, training and conducting sensitive Special Forces missions with partner nation and opposition forces throughout the Middle East.
As Soldiers of the group continue to serve on battlefields around the world, they uphold the highest of standards as paragons of the Special Forces motto: De Oppresso Liber, "to free the oppressed".
Official Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has posthumously awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to
Captain Gary M. Rose
United States Army
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Sergeant Gary M. Rose distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Special Forces Medic with a company-sized exploitation force, Special Operations Augmentation, Command and Control Central, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam. Between 11 and 14 September 1970, Sergeant Rose's company was continuously engaged by a well-armed and numerically superior hostile force deep in enemy-controlled territory. Enemy B-40 rockets and mortar rounds rained down while the adversary sprayed the area with small arms and machine gun fire, wounding many and forcing everyone to seek cover. Sergeant Rose, braving the hail of bullets, sprinted fifty meters to a wounded soldier's side. He then used his own body to protect the casualty from further injury while treating his wounds. After stabilizing the casualty, Sergeant Rose carried him through the bullet-ridden combat zone to protective cover. As the enemy accelerated the attack, Sergeant Rose continuously exposed himself to intense fire as he fearlessly moved from casualty to casualty, administering life-saving aid. A B-40 rocket impacted just meters from Sergeant Rose, knocking him from his feet and injuring his head, hand, and foot. Ignoring his wounds, Sergeant Rose struggled to his feet and continued to render aid to the other injured soldiers. During an attempted medevac, Sergeant Rose again exposed himself to enemy fire as he attempted to hoist wounded personnel up to the hovering helicopter, which was unable to land due to unsuitable terrain. The medevac mission was aborted due to intense enemy fire and the helicopter crashed a few miles away due to the enemy fire sustained during the attempted extraction. Over the next two days, Sergeant Rose continued to expose himself to enemy fire in order to treat the wounded, estimated to be half of the company's personnel. On September 14, during the company's eventual helicopter extraction, the enemy launched a full-scale offensive. Sergeant Rose, after loading wounded personnel on the first set of extraction helicopters, returned to the outer perimeter under enemy fire, carrying friendly casualties and moving wounded personnel to more secure positions until they could be evacuated. He then returned to the perimeter to help repel the enemy until the final extraction helicopter arrived. As the final helicopter was loaded, the enemy began to overrun the company's position, and the helicopter's Marine door gunner was shot in the neck. Sergeant Rose instantly administered critical medical treatment onboard the helicopter, saving the Marine's life. The helicopter carrying Sergeant Rose crashed several hundred meters from the evacuation point, further injuring Sergeant Rose and the personnel on board. Despite his numerous wounds from the past three days, Sergeant Rose continued to pull and carry unconscious and wounded personnel out of the burning wreckage and continued to administer aid to the wounded until another extraction helicopter arrived. Sergeant Rose's extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty were critical to saving numerous lives over that four day time period. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Special Forces, and the United States Army.
President's Remarks
2:10 P.M. EST, October 15, 2013
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome to the White House. Last month, the United States Army released a remarkable piece of video. It's from the combat helmet cameras of a MedEvac helicopter crew in Afghanistan. It's shaky and grainy, but it takes us to the frontlines that our troops face every day. And in that video, as the helicopter touches down by a remote village, you see, out of a cloud of dust, an American Soldier.
He's without his helmet, standing in the open, exposing himself to enemy fire, standing watch over a severely wounded Soldier. He helps carry that wounded Soldier to the helicopter, and places him inside. Then, amidst the whipping wind and deafening roar of the blades, he does something unexpected. He leans in and kisses the wounded Soldier on the head -- a simple act of compassion and loyalty to a brother in arms. And as the door closes and the helicopter takes off, he turns and goes back the way he came, back into the heat of battle.
In our nation's history, we have presented our highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, nearly 3,500 times for actions above and beyond the call of duty. But this may be the first time that we can actually bear witness to a small part of those actions for ourselves. And today we honor the American in that video -- the Soldier who went back in -- Captain William Swenson.
Not far away that day was then Corporal Dakota Meyer, to whom we presented the Medal of Honor two years ago. Today is only the second time in nearly half a century that the Medal of Honor has been awarded to two survivors of the same battle. Dakota is not here today, but I want to welcome some of the Soldiers and Marines who fought alongside both of these men, and the families of those who gave their lives that day.
Moments like this, Americans like Will, remind us what our country can be at its best -- a nation of citizens who look out for one another; who meet our obligations to one another, not just when it's easy, but when it's hard; especially when it's hard. Will, you're an example -- to everyone in this city, to our whole country -- of the professionalism and patriotism we should strive for -- whether we wear the uniform or not. Not just on particular occasions, but all the time.
For those who aren't familiar with the story of the battle that lead to Will being here today, I want to take you back to that September morning four years ago. It's around sunrise. A column of Afghan soldiers and their American advisors are winding their way up a narrow trail towards a village to meet with elders. But just as the first soldier reaches the outskirts of the village, all hell breaks loose.
Almost instantly, four Americans, three Marines, and a Navy corpsman at the front of the column are surrounded. Will and the Soldiers in the center of the column are pinned down. Rocket-propelled grenade, mortar, and machine gun fire, all of this is pouring in from three sides.
As he returns fire, Will calls for air support. But his initial requests are denied -- Will and his team are too close to the village. Then Will learns that his non-commissioned officer, Sergeant First Class Kenneth Westbrook, has been shot in the neck. So Will breaks across 50 meters of open space, bullets biting all around. Lying on his back, he presses a bandage to Kenneth's wound with one hand and calls for a MedEvac with the other, trying to keep his buddy calm.
By this time, the enemy has gotten even closer -- just 20 or 30 meters away. Over the radio, they're demanding the Americans surrender. Will stops treating Kenneth long enough to respond -- by lobbing a grenade.
Finally, after more than an hour and a half of fighting, air support arrives. Will directs them to nearby targets. Then it's time to move. Exposing himself again to enemy fire, Will helps carry Kenneth the length of more than two football fields, down steep terraces, to that helicopter. And then, in the moment captured by those cameras, Will leans in to say goodbye.
But more Americans -- and more Afghans -- are still out there. So Will does something incredible. He jumps behind the wheel of an unarmored Ford Ranger pickup truck. A Marine gets in the passenger seat. And they drive that truck -- a vehicle designed for the highway -- straight into the battle.
Twice, they pick up injured Afghan soldiers -- bullets whizzing past them, slamming into the pickup truck. Twice they bring them back. When the truck gives out, they grab a Humvee. The Marine by Will's side has no idea how they survived. But, he says, "by that time it didn't matter. We [were] not leaving any Soldiers behind."
Finally, a helicopter spots those four missing Americans -- hours after they were trapped in the opening ambush. So Will gets in another Humvee, with a crew that includes Dakota Meyer. And together, they drive. Past enemy fighters. Up through the valley. Exposed once more.
When they reach the village, Will jumps out -- drawing even more fire, dodging even more bullets. But they reach those Americans, lying where they fell. Will and the others carry them out, one-by-one. They bring their fallen brothers home.
Scripture tells us, "The greatest among you shall be your servant." Captain Will Swenson was a leader on that September morning. But like all good leaders, he was also a servant -- to the men he commanded, to the more than a dozen Afghans and Americans whose lives he saved, to the families of those who gave their last full measure of devotion on that far away field. As one of his fellow Soldiers later said, "Will did things that nobody else would ever do, and he did it for his guys, and for everybody on the ground, to get them out."
That's why after I called Will to tell him he'd be receiving this medal, one of the first things he did was to invite to this ceremony, those who fought alongside him. I'd like all of those who served with such valor, alongside Will -- both Army and Marines -- who fought for each other, please stand and be recognized.
Thank you. Will also reached out to the families of the four Americans who gave their lives that day. To them he wrote, and I'm quoting Will now, "We have never met. We have never spoken, but I would like to believe I know something about each of you through the actions of your loved ones that day. They were part of a team, and you are now part of that team."
So, I would ask the members of this team, the families of First Lieutenant Michael Johnson, Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Johnson, Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Kenefick, and Hospitalman Third Class James Layton, as well as the family of Kenneth Westbrook, to please stand.
Kenneth was the Soldier Will delivered to the safety of that helicopter. After being airlifted out, he made it to Walter Reed. He started rehab, and spent time with his wife Charlene, who joins us her today. She still remembers the first time she spoke to Will, when he called from Afghanistan, to check in on Kenneth. Soon after that phone call, however, Kenneth took a turn for the worst. He succumbed to complications from his treatment. I think it's safe to say that Charlene will always be grateful for the final days she was able to spend with her husband. Even now, a month rarely goes by when Will doesn't call or text, checking in with Charlene and her three boys. "That's the kind of man he is," Charlene says about Will. "You don't have to ask Will for help. He just knows when to be there for you."
So, Will Swenson was there for his brothers. He was there for their families. As a nation, we thank God that patriots like him are there for us all. So, Will, God bless you and all the men you've fought alongside, and for everything you've done for us. God bless all of our men and women in uniform. God bless the United States of America.
With that, I'd like my military to read the citation please.
[the citation is read and the medla is presented]
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Let me say once again, not only to Will, but to all our men and women in uniform, who have served us with such incredible courage and professionalism, that America is grateful for you. To the families of those we've lost, we will never forget.
Will, you are a remarkable role model for all of us, and we're very grateful for your service.
We are going to have a reception after this. I hear the food is pretty good around here. I hope all of you have a chance to stay, and for those of you who have a chance to thank Will personally, this is very welcome. I'm going to be exiting with Will and Michelle, first. We'll take a couple of pictures. Enjoy yourselves this afternoon.
God bless America.
END 2:30 P.M. EST
Hall of Heroes Induction
CEREMONY REMARKS | October 16, 2013
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel
Secretary Hagel: Good afternoon. Secretary McHugh, General Odierno, Sergeant Major Chandler, Chairman Dempsey, ladies and gentlemen, the men and women who serve our country today in uniform, the civilian employees who support our men and women in uniform, and in particular our special guests here this afternoon, who have been recognized, and our most honored guest, Captain Swenson and his family.
I have a quite elegant speech, of course. But I will dispense with these eloquent words. And I'm going to make a couple of comments I hope that will add to the true eloquence of the chiefs and secretary's comments. I could not improve on, or I don't mean to duplicate what they said, what President Obama said yesterday, what everyone in this room knows about this very special individual.
Let me add my thoughts this way. Many important words have been said about Will Swenson, appropriately so, over the last few days. One particular point that President Obama made yesterday was that at a time in our country when we need more unifying dimensions and dynamics to remind us who we are, yes, as a great nation, but, even more importantly, as a good people. The Will Swenson story does that. It does remind us who we are -- sacrifice, service, going beyond your own personal ambitions, your own personal interests, and serving the interests of others first.
I don't know a more complete picture that could be presented or example noted of that selflessness than the story of Will Swenson and those who have gone before, and every man and women in the history of this great republic who have given so much of themselves, and the people in this room and all over the world who continue to do that.
Will, you mean an awful lot to a lot of people, but your biggest contribution probably will come later. And that is the role model that you have already projected, not just for men and women in uniform, but the next generations behind you. We all recognize as parents, as individuals who have any responsibility for positions in life, that that is our biggest, most significant responsibility, to improve upon the inheritance that we were each given, the blessings and the good things. We know about bad things.
But that's not our role. Our role is to improve, make it better, inspire, uplift our people, our families, our country and the world. And as President Obama noted yesterday, the Will Swenson story is a great reminder of those responsibilities and how we can do it with dignity, with eloquence, with never asking anything in return.
I want to also note something that was said here today, mentioned by the chief, mentioned by the secretary. Yes, Will Swenson proved his valor on the battlefield. It is well documented. It should be well documented. But he also did something else that represented tremendous courage and integrity. And I've always thought the two indispensable elements of anyone's life are courage and character. And if we're without those in some measure, it's a pretty hallow existence.
He questioned -- he dared to question the institution that he was faithful to and loyal to. Mistakes were made, in his case. Now, that's courage and that's integrity and that's character. As the institution itself reflected on that same courage and integrity institutionally, the institution, the United States Army, corrected the mistake. They went back and acknowledged a mistake was made and they fixed it.
Another great dimension of our republic, of our people, we have an inherent capability to self-correct. Free people have that capability if they have the will and the courage to self-correct. And we all do in our own personal lives. Institutions don't always. Eventually they will be forced to. In this case, the United States Army was not forced to. It did self-correct. It was a wrong. They corrected it. They fixed it.
We're sorry that you and your family had to endure through that, but you did and you handled it right. And I think that deserves a tremendous amount of attention and credit. We celebrate you today, Will. We celebrate your family. We celebrate your very brave colleagues who have been recognized, those who didn't make it back, their families today. But we celebrate all the good things about our country today because of you. And we're grateful.
May God bless you and your family, Will. Thank you. Thank you.
Editor's Note: The remarks above represent the Secretary of Defense's prepared remarks as taken directly from: http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1811
Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh
Secretary McHugh: Good Afternoon. You know, as I was sitting listening to the Chief (of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno), I looked at this stage as all of you are, and, like many of you, I've had the honor of attending literally dozens of events here; but never so much as in this kind of occasion does this place look so special and so beautiful. And fittingly so.
And speaking of beautiful, you all look good. Chief (Odierno) as he always does, did a great job of introducing individuals by name, so I'm not going to recount all of those; just know that you are all very, very welcome, and we all deeply appreciate your attendance, whether you are a part of the civilian or Army uniformed family or a member of the Department of Defense family, we are deeply appreciative.
I do want to give a couple special welcomes to our distinguished members of my former haunt for 17 years, the House of Representatives, Welcome. So, how are you doing? How are we doing? We'll talk later. You are truly welcome and thank you for during a very busy time for coming here and sharing this special moment.
Mr. Secretary, Secretary Hagel, as always, we deeply appreciate your personal attention to these kinds of occasions, the deep concern you bring for the men and women in uniform and their families. Your presence here today is making this an even more special occasion.
But we would not have an event, to state the obvious, without Captain Will Swenson, without the love and support of his parents, Carl and Julia, the continued love and special relationship with Kelsey Long, all of the distinguished guests that he and others have brought with them, you make this moment what it is.
By way of confession, I have to tell you whenever I share a dais with the Secretary of Defense, I get a little bit more self-conscious about my remarks. I want to be honest with you, as well. I'm even more on edge this afternoon, and frankly, Mr. Secretary, it doesn't have much to do with you. It's Will's mom's presence that has me a little nervous. Now, if you had occasion to read or see President Obama's remarks yesterday at the White House during that very touching ceremony, he observed that both the Captain's parents are retired Seattle University professors. Carl was a math professor; that one field of study more than any other that drove me into political science. But more frightening, Julia's field was English. And as the President noted, she made sure that even at a young age, Will not only dotted his i's and crossed his t's, but he practiced perfect grammar at all times. So, Julia, ma'am, I have done my best today and will continue to ensure correct usage and correct syntax. Or, as we say back home where I'm from, I hope I got good English.
Most importantly, truly, thank you both very much for being here; you have much to be proud of -- or, I guess I should say much of which to be proud. To state the obvious, this is a tremendous honor, for the Army and, if I may, for me, personally, as we gather to induct Captain William David Swenson into our Hall of Heroes -- the first officer in the United States Army to receive the Medal of Honor for any conflict since the Vietnam War. And that makes this special occasion even more special. This is also, as Will himself has said, a time of mixed emotions, a time when we pay tribute to uncommon valor, but at the same time, we mourn and we remember the horrible loss of comrades and friends.
The Battle of Ganjgal was ferocious. And it was tragic. And we lost so many good lives that day. But following the violence, and the death, came inspiration. And we were inspired by those who fought there, by those who would not accept defeat -- and, as the Chief noted, we are indeed, honored to have many of those warriors who fought by Will's side that day -- his battle buddies -- joining us -- both Army and Marines -- and I deeply appreciate the rightful recognition you gave them. But I would say to you: If you question what this concept of "jointness" is about, if you really doubt it's being applied -- look at this battle; look at those uniforms. I don't think you'll question it anymore.
Gentlemen: God love you. God Bless you for your service, and for all that you not just did that day, but every day that you serve in uniform. I will also say that from that single fierce battle -- two Medals of Honor, two Navy Crosses, a Silver Star, Nine Bronze Stars with V(alor) device -- that is an amazing measure of honor. And even by that incredible standard, Will Swenson is truly a hero amongst heroes. And today, because of this event, he will have his name will enshrined along with those who have gone before, forever a part of our Nation's and our Army's history. And his name will be displayed alongside such others as Alvin York and Audie Murphy and Les Sabo.
The reason I single out Les Sabo, even though his name, certainly outside this room, may not be as recognizable as others, is that his story, and Will's, offer a common and an important lesson for our Army. About a year and a half ago, I stood in this very room, close to this very spot as we inducted Specialist Sabo into our Hall of Heroes. And that followed a ceremony in which Les' family received the Medal of Honor at the White House just the day before. In 1970, Les Sabo sacrificed his life in a far away field in Cambodia, and he did so to save the lives of his fellow Soldiers.
For more than 40 years, his story was all but lost to anyone outside of his family. And as you may recall, that was the case until a writer happened to stumble upon his records in the National Archives. And that writer began to push anew for the Medal of Honor that should have been awarded decades earlier.
And today, we similarly pause to bestow an overdue honor, once more.
Now, I couldn't do much for Les Sabo at the time; perhaps there is something, Will, I hope I can do for you, and, as I know you feel even more importantly, for those who may follow in your footsteps. This morning I issued a directive requiring that all Medal of Honor nominations be sent immediately to the awards and decorations branch of the Army Human Resources Command (HRC). As soon as an honors packet is created at battalion level, we will have immediate visibility at Army headquarters. Each subsequent command's review will also be required to be immediately forwarded to HRC; and in return, HRC will follow up with the original command every 30 days until that award packet reaches its final review. A parallel process that will provide greater oversight; a way by which we can ensure that no future award packet is lost along the way, or paperwork misplaced or somehow forgotten in the fog of war.
Our heroes have always taught us many things, and that's true here, today. Sometimes our heroes teach us how to make ourselves better. And Will, for that as well, I -- we all -- want to thank you. But Will has taught us a lot more than how to make our processes better. He's also taught us about things like valor and courage and teamwork and sacrifice. And there's more. To prepare for today, I watched some of the videos that we coerced Will into doing, and he did incredibly well. And for all of the impressive things that I heard from him, I was particularly struck by something he said in relation to that day.
As the Chief (of Staff of the Army) noted, on that day, we lost three Marines, First Lieutenant Michael Johnson, Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Johnson, Staff Sergant Aaron Kenefick; we lost a Navy Corpsman, James Layton; and, about a month later, Army Sergeant First Class Kenneth Westbrook -- the Soldier whose forehead Will gently kissed as he lifted him onboard a MedEvac helicopter.
I know that their families have already been recognized, but I would ask, respectfully, that we pause once more to remember their sacrifice, and to again thank each of them for being here today. Join with me (Applause). And I would say, from the bottom of my heart, no matter what uniform your loved one wore, from this day forward, you are all a beloved part of our Army family. God bless you, and thank you.
We also lost nine Afghans, men whose names Americans will likely never know, at least not in large numbers. And in the interview I mentioned, Will spoke about them, their sacrifice, and their struggling nation. And Will observed, and I'm going to quote here, "the Afghan people in Kunar Province got to see their government, their leaders, their Soldiers, their brothers, out there trying to do the right thing, trying to find the Afghan solution to their problems," he concluded, "they saw the Afghans … fight."
In telling the story of those Afghans, those warriors who fought alongside them that day, in witness to their courage and conviction, Will may have taught us the most important lesson of all. He taught us all: There's hope. Hope comes in many forms, comes in many faces and many voices. Where a baby's cry is heard, there is hope that the world will go on. Where a teacher, someone who has devoted an entire lifetime not to power, not to glory, not to money, but for the conveyance of knowledge, when that teacher speaks in understanding tones to a struggling student, there is hope for a better future. And when a prayer of remembrance is said over the casket of a fallen hero, what that Soldier died for -- freedom and liberty and the right to breathe free -- that sacrifice gives us hope that all the people of the world, wherever they may live, may one day realize what is universally proclaimed as the American dream.
Since 1775, the Army -- the United States Army, along with the comrades-in-arms we have, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard, band together as a band of warriors -- have continuously brought hope, have continuously brought that dream to the oppressed. Wherever those forces are stationed, they have always brought hope.
Will, you and your comrades that day were many things, but you were true messengers of hope -- hope to the Afghan people. And a renewed hope to every American who like all of us has lived in the cloak of freedom and liberty that the courage and skill and conviction of the American Soldier has provided for more than 238 years, that that freedom will endure into the future, as well.
Will, that is a high honor and, in its own way, a heavy burden. And through your service, your courage, your leadership and sacrifice, you have given me -- you've given us all -- hope. So, Captain Swenson, congratulations, to you, to your family on this very special tribute, and thank you, too, on behalf of our Army, our Nation, for your service and your valor.
God bless you, God bless the United States of America, and this glorious Army that keeps her free. Thank you.
Editor's Note: The remarks above represent the Secretary of the Army's prepared remarks as taken directly from: https://www.army.mil/article/113249/
Army Chief of Staff
General Raymond T. Odierno
General Odierno: Good afternoon everybody. It's good to see so many people here. It's really a privilege to see such a great turnout to honor Captain William Swenson, who today joins a rare fraternity of military service members who have displayed extraordinary acts of valor during exceptional circumstances, with great risk to their own personal safety.
Captain Swenson embodies the essence of a Soldier and represents what every man and woman who dons this uniform strives to be: an individual who has earned the trust of all with whom they associate; one who possesses a humility and selflessness that we all respect; one who embraces esprit de corps and routinely demonstrates a dedication to his profession that epitomizes the ethos of the American Soldier. In the face of imminent danger, he never quit. He always put his mission first. He never accepted defeat. And above all else, he never left his fallen comrades. Just as he was there for them that day, his friends, his band of brothers are here for him today.
On September 8th, 2009, five service members made the ultimate sacrifice, and their presence is felt in the hearts of everyone here. We remember 1st Lt. Michael Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps; Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Kenefick, U.S. Marine Corps; Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps; Hospitalman 3rd Class James Layton, U.S. Navy; and Sergeant First Class Kenneth Westbrook, United States Army. We are honored to have their Gold Star family members here with us today, so I would ask them to please stand and be recognized.
I'd like to recognize our distinguished guests: Secretary Hagel, the Secretary of Defense -- sir, thank you for being here; Representatives Jeff Denham from California and Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii -- thank you so much for both being here; Secretary McHugh, the Secretary of the Army and Acting Secretary Fanning, the Acting Secretary of the Air Force -- thank you for being here; General Marty Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs -- sir, thank you for being here; Generals Mark Welsh, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force; General Gordon Sullivan, the head of AUSA and the 32nd Chief of Staff of the Army; General John Campbell, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; and Sergeant Major of the Army Ray Chandler, my battle buddy -- thank you for being here; and other distinguished guests from our Department of Defense and Army leadership that are joining us today, and Marine Corps and all our other service members.
I'd like to extend a special welcome to Captain Swenson's family and friends: his father, Carl, and his mother, Julia; and Ms. Kelsey Long. I also like to recognize several members of the Marine Corps and Army who were on the ground with Will that fateful day in Ganjgal. Thank you so much for your service to our nation, your sacrifices and dedication. Your presence today reinforces the personal nature of combat and the strong bonds formed under extraordinary conditions. I'd like you all to stand as well to be recognized.
It was on September the 8th, 2009, that Army Captain Will Swenson and Sergeant First Class Westbrook were part of a combined patrol with Afghan National Border Police and an Afghan National Army unit and their 12 Marine Corps advisers and Navy medic. Together, the group set off for the village of Ganjgal in Kunar Province, to meet with village elders and discuss the creation of a local security force.
Just after dawn, as they approached the outskirts of the village on foot, they were ensnarled in a vicious ambush. Over 60 well-armed insurgents began firing heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, and small arms from entrenched positions in the village and the surrounding mountains. Captain Swenson and the patrol were pinned down behind low stone walls while a lead team was trapped in a courtyard. Sniper rounds and explosions impacted closer and closer while the insurgents taunted the patrol over the radio, demanding their surrender. As the enemy began to envelop the patrol, the reality set in that the men were surrounded, out manned and outgunned.
Captain Swenson began radioing for artillery and aviation support, but the brigade's Aerial Scout Weapons Team was already supporting other troops in contact to the north. Dangerously exposed, he repeatedly called for smoke to conceal their withdrawal. The men continued to hold their ground, and at one point, the enemy got so close that Will threw a hand grenade to keep them at bay. As the patrol bounded back, continuous enemy fire wounded many of the men, including the ranking officer, Major Williams, and Captain Swenson's teammate, Sergeant First Class Westbrook.
In the fury of the attack, Will took charge. With one hand, he treated Sergeant First Class Westbrook, and with the other he held a radio hand-mic, identifying enemy targets to a Scout Weapons Team that had just arrived on station. Receiving word of a MedEvac helicopter inbound, Captain Swenson exposed himself to enemy fire and marked the landing zone by holding a signal panel on top of him. As the helicopter landed, Will loaded Sergeant First Class Westbrook inside and returned to the battle.
As the majority of the patrol withdrew from the valley, Captain Swenson returned to the kill zone in an unarmed truck to evacuate the dead and wounded Afghan soldiers and police. Next, he organized a recovery party for the lead team of three Marines and Navy corpsman that were still trapped in the initial ambush location. Then he drove back into the ambush zone, stopping to treat wounded Afghans and mark their locations for extraction.
While aerial platforms searched for the missing service members, Captain Swenson waited in the open, continuing to take fire from the enemy. The enemy contact was so intense that a Combat Search and Rescue helicopter sent to assist was unable to land. After an hour, the helicopter located the missing men and confirmed that they had been killed in action. Once again, Will exposed himself to continuous enemy machine gun fire to recover his fallen comrades and return them to base.
Captain Swenson symbolizes what is best about our Soldiers and our Army. Taking charge on the battlefield early that morning, Will led a team of brothers-in-arms against great odds, and rallied them in their efforts to save each other. In the end, the battle lasted nearly six hours, and Will had returned to the kill zone four times to treat and evacuate wounded service members and coalition partners.
On September 8th, 2009, Captain Swenson demonstrated incredible competence: technical and tactical proficiency, leading a joint and combined team under fire, taking an extreme situation and performing to the best of his ability. He demonstrated commitment to every fellow service member, to our multinational partners, and he brought honor upon our nation. He demonstrated great character: he understood the inherent trust that must exist between service members. In combat, the uniform you wear is inconsequential. What matters are the men and women you live, sleep, eat, and fight with -- and that unspoken commitment that you have to each other. Captain Will Swenson's strength of character is undeniable. Even after the battle, Will was not afraid to point out deficiencies in the operation that caused difficulties in obtaining the appropriate and timely support. He recognized the value of assessing performance and he had the character to stick to his convictions. That's how we grow as Soldiers; that's how we grow as an Army; that's how we grow as a joint force.
By honoring Captain Swenson's actions today, we honor the heroes who have sacrificed for this nation, along with every service member who has raised their right hand to defend this country and our ideals.
Throughout our history and over the course of the last twelve years of war, I have seen first-hand how U.S. Army Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have served with the competence, character, and commitment that our great nation deserves. Captain Swenson is the epitome of these qualities and much, much more, having demonstrated his leadership in the ultimate crucible of combat. The strength of our nation is our Army, the strength of our Army is our Soldiers, the strength of our Soldiers is our families, and this is what makes us Army Strong. Thank you very much.
Editor's Note: The remarks above represent the Army Chief of Staff's prepared remarks as taken directly from: https://www.army.mil/article/113243/
Capt. Gary M. Rose served as a Special Forces combat medic during the Vietnam War. Nearly 50 years later, Rose will be awarded the nation's highest honor for treating 16 of his fellow Soldiers during Operation Tailwind, a four day mission in the nearby country of Laos. Under his care, all returned alive.
Retired Capt. Gary Rose and wife, Margaret, pose for a photo before the Medal of Honor ceremony in Washington, D.C., Oct. 23, 2017. Rose was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during Operation Tailwind in Southeastern Laos during the Vietnam War, Sept. 11-14, 1970. Then-Sgt. Rose was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at the time of the action. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tammy Nooner.
Acting secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy presents a citation to retired Capt. Gary Rose during the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., Oct. 24, 2017. Rose was awarded the Medal of Honor Oct. 23, 2017, for actions during Operation Tailwind in Southeastern Laos during the Vietnam War, Sept. 11-14, 1970. Then-Sgt. Rose was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at the time of action. U.S. Army photo by John Martinez.
Retired Capt. Gary M. Rose is inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, in Arlington, Va., Oct. 24, 2017. Rose was awarded the Medal of Honor Oct. 23, 2017, for actions during Operation Tailwind in Southeastern Laos during the Vietnam War, Sept. 11-14, 1970. Then-Sgt. Rose was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at the time of action. U.S. Army photo by John Martinez.
Retired Capt. Gary M. Rose gives his remarks during his Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., Oct. 24, 2017. Rose was awarded the Medal of Honor Oct. 23, 2017, for actions during Operation Tailwind in Southeastern Laos during the Vietnam War, Sept. 11-14, 1970. Then-Sgt. Rose was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at the time of action. U.S. Army photo by Eboni Everson-Myart.