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John
Gerry
Gertsch
KIA (RVN)
September 29, 1944

–

July 19, 1969

Cemetery:

Northside Catholic Cemetery

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 a Silver Star, Two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    327th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    March 5, 1968
    Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division, General Orders No. 3064 (June 30, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John Gerry Gertsch (ASN: RA-51577507), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam, on 5 March 1968. Private First Class Gertsch distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on combat operations in the vicinity of Phu Loc, Republic of Vietnam. The reconnaissance platoon (Tiger Force) became heavily engaged with an estimated North Vietnamese Army platoon firing from well-concealed and fortified positions with automatic weapons. The point man for the lead element, Private First Class Gertsch, immediately leaped into a trench alongside the trail when contact was initiated and began crawling forward in an attempt to close with and destroy the enemy machine gun emplacement. Although wounded in the initial burst of enemy fire, Private First Class Gertsch continued to move forward towards the unsuspecting North Vietnamese Army soldiers. He continued his movement forward until he was within the North Vietnamese perimeter. Once within the perimeter Private First Class Gertsch leaped to his feet and fought his way into the enemy ranks, killing and completely disrupting all organization and unity the enemy force had held. Private First Class Gertsch’s personal courage and devotion to duty was solely responsible for saving the lives of many of his fellow squad members and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    327th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    July 15 – 19, 1969
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 34 (September 6, 1974)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant John Gerry Gertsch (ASN: RA-51577507), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon sergeant and platoon leader with Company E, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, from 15 to 19 July 1969. 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. Forsaking his own safety, without hesitation Staff Sergeant 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 Staff Sergeant Gertsch’s unit was reconnoitering when attacked again by the enemy. Staff Sergeant Gertsch moved forward to his besieged element and immediately charged, firing as he advanced. His determined assault forced the enemy troops to withdraw in confusion and made possible the recovery of two wounded men who had been exposed to heavy enemy fire. Sometime later his platoon came under attack by an enemy force employing automatic weapons, grenade, and rocket fire. 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. Without Staff Sergeant Gertsch’s courage, ability to inspire others, and profound concern for the welfare of his men, the loss of life among his fellow soldiers would have been significantly greater. His conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit on him and the Armed Forces of his country.