The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Armor) George Karp Wanat, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, at the repeated risk of his life while serving with Advisory Team 47, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Wanat distinguished himself from 5 to 8 April while serving as Acting District Senior Advisor, Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 5 April 1972, the 5th Viet Cong Division launched a massive ground attack against Loc Ninh. The attack was supported by artillery and tanks. Captain Wanat skillfully directed tactical airstrikes and helicopter gunships in support of Loc Ninh District Forces. During the battle, Captain Wanat fought magnificently. Time and again he exposed himself to enemy direct fire on top of his own position to drive off the attacking enemy. Recognizing that command and control was faltering, Captain Wanat repeatedly endangered himself to withering enemy fire while moving from bunker to bunker to rally and command friendly forces. The combination of Captain Wanat’s personal example and professional skill coupled with available firepower kept the numerically superior enemy at bay for more than two days. Despite the valiant efforts of the defenders, the City of Loc Ninh was completely overrun by the enemy on 7 April 1972, but Captain Wanat, through his courageous actions, extracted a horrendous price from the enemy for their tactical accomplishment. Captain Wanat’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon him and the United States Army.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Armor)Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam & Cambodia)Action Date:
April 7, 1972 – February 12, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Armor) George Karp Wanat, Jr., United States Army, for meritorious service from 7 April 1972 to 12 February 1973 while a Prisoner of War in South Vietnam and Cambodia. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the North Vietnamese subjected Captain Wanat to a routine of mental and physical cruelties, including withholding of adequate medical treatment for wounds and illnesses. This routine was calculated and designed for the purpose of obtaining military information and propaganda material detrimental to the United States. Under these extremely adverse conditions, Captain Wanat successfully resisted indoctrination, threats, and promises of medical attention by the North Vietnamese intended to coerce him to support causes injurious to the United States. He never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to his country. Throughout his internment, Captain Wanat maintained a high state of discipline and morale. He continually confronted the North Vietnamese by refusing to cooperate or to conform with camp regulations, causing the enemy to maintain a posture of maximum security. Defying his captors he shared everything he had with his fellow prisoners and gave them encouragement to continue when all seemed hopeless. With consistent loyalty and perseverance, he conducted himself in a manner that aided the senior prisoner of war immeasurably in controlling the camp and maintaining prisoner morale. Captain Wanat’s conduct and manner of performance was clearly exceptional, reflecting great credit upon himself, the Army, and the United States of America.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Armor)Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
April 7, 1972 – February 12, 1973
Captain (Armor) George Karp Wanat, Jr., United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in South Vietnam and Cambodia from April 7, 1972 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Armor) George Karp Wanat, Jr., United States Army, for outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Wanat consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.