Talk:Carmel Bernon Harvey Jr.

50 year Memoriam Carmel B. Harvey published in the Northwest Indiana Times June 18, 2017

CARMEL B. HARVEY JR.

In Memoriam

50 YEARS IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF MY HIGH SCHOOL FRIEND CARMEL B. HARVEY JR. KILLED IN ACTION JUNE 21, 1967 CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR Co. B 1ST BATTALION 5TH CAVALRY 1ST CAV DIV (AIRMOBILE) BINH DINH PROVINCE VIET NAM * HARVEY, CARMEL BERNON, Jr. Sp4c. Harvey .distinguished himself as a fire team leader with Company B, during combat operations. Ordered to secure a downed helicopter, his platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, but shortly thereafter a large enemy force attacked the position from 3 sides. Sp4c. Harvey and 2 members of his squad were in a position directly in the path of the enemy onslaught, and their location received the brunt of the fire from an enemy machinegun. In short order, both of his companions were wounded, but Sp4c. Harvey covered this loss by increasing his deliberate rifle fire at the foe. The enemy machinegun seemed to concentrate on him. and the bullets struck the ground all around his position. One round hit and armed a grenade attached to his belt. Quickly, he tried to remove the grenade but was unsuccessful Realizing the danger to his comrades if he remained and despite the hail of enemy fire, he jumped to his feet, shouted a challenge at the enemy, and raced toward the deadly machinegun. He nearly reached the enemy position when the grenade on his belt exploded, mortally wounding Sp4c. Harvey, and stunning the enemy machinegun crew. His final act caused a pause in the enemy fire, and the wounded men were moved from the danger area. Sp4c. Harvey's dedication to duty, high sense of responsibility, and heroic actions inspired the others in his platoon to decisively beat back the enemy attack. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. OUT OF HONOR and RESPECT To EDGAR LEE McWETHY Jr. Medic Kia at Same Site as Carmel M.O.H. POSTHUMOUSLY * McWETHY, EDGAR LEE, Jr. Serving as a medical aidman with Company B, Sp5c. McWETHY accompanied his platoon to the site of a downed helicopter. Shortly after the platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, a large enemy force attacked the position from 3 sides with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and' grenades. The platoon leader and his radio operator were wounded almost immediately, and Sp5c. McWethy rushed across the fire-swept area to their assistance, Although he could not help the mortally wounded radio operator, Sp5c. McWethy's timely first aid enabled the platoon leader to retain command during this critical period. Hearing a call for aid, Sp5c. McWethy started across the open toward the injured men, but was wounded in the head and knocked to the ground. He regained his feet and continued on put was hit again, this time in the leg. Struggling onward despite his wounds, he gained the side of his comrades and treated their injuries. Observing another fallen rifleman lying in an exposed position raked by enemy tire, Sp5c. McWethy moved toward him without hesitation. Although the enemy fire wounded him a third time, Sp5c. McWethy reached his fallen companion. Though weakened and in extreme pain, Sp5c. McWethy gave the wounded man artificial respiration but suffered a fourth and fatal wound. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety, and demonstrates concern for his fellow soldiers, Sp5c. McWethy inspired the members of his platoon and contributed in great measure to their successful defense of the position and the ultimate rout of the enemy force. Sp5c. McWethy's profound sense of duty, bravery, and his willingness to accept extraordinary risks in order to help the men of his unit are characteristic of the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, at the going down of the sun and in the morning WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Laurence Binyon - 1914 RONNIE GURANOVICH George Washington High School (Chicago) Class of 1965 Viet Nam 3-67-12-68

Amy McTownsend (talk) 16:43, 31 May 2018 (UTC)

Published in The Times on June 18, 2017

References