From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:
SASSER, CLARENCE EUGENE
Rank and organization: Specialist Fifth Class (then
Pfc.), U.S. Army, Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Ding Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 10
January 1968. Entered service at: Houston, Tex. Born: 12 September 1947,
Chenango, Tex. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp5c. Sasser
distinguished himself while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
3d Battalion. He was serving as a medical aidman with Company A, 3d Battalion,
on a reconnaissance in force operation. His company was making an air assault
when suddenly it was taken under heavy small arms, recoilless rifle, machinegun
and rocket fire from well fortified enemy positions on 3 sides of the landing
zone. During the first few minutes, over 30 casualties were sustained. Without
hesitation, Sp5c. Sasser ran across an open rice paddy through a hail of fire to
assist the wounded. After helping 1 man to safety, was painfully wounded in the
left shoulder by fragments of an exploding rocket. Refusing medical attention,
he ran through a barrage of rocket and automatic weapons fire to aid casualties
of the initial attack and, after giving them urgently needed treatment,
continued to search for other wounded. Despite 2 additional wounds immobilizing
his legs, he dragged himself through the mud toward another soldier 100 meters
away. Although in agonizing pain and faint from loss of blood, Sp5c. Sasser
reached the man, treated him, and proceeded on to encourage another group of
soldiers to crawl 200 meters to relative safety. There he attended their wounds
for 5 hours until they were evacuated. Sp5c. Sasser's extraordinary heroism is
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects
great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
American hero Clarence Sasser lives to this day. His Vietnam unit, 3rd Battalion/60th Infantry, today prepares the warriors of tomorrow who will defend our Nation and liberty across the globe at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
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