Staff Sergeant John Garry Gertsch, A Soldier's Story
Staff Sergeant John Garry Gertsch, A Soldier's Story
Staff Sergeant John Garry Gertsch was born on September 29, 1944, in Jersey City, New Jersey. After his father's death, he and his sister relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he attended Sheffield Area High School. During his high school years, Gertsch was a multi-sport athlete, playing both football and basketball. He served as co-captain of the basketball team during his senior year and graduated in 1963.
In 1965, Gertsch enlisted in the United States Army. He found stability and purpose in military life and, despite the escalating war, continued to reenlist. His commitment to service and leadership eventually led him to the 101st Airborne Division. He deployed to Vietnam with the 327th Infantry Regiment during some of the war’s most difficult fighting.
Between July 15 and July 19, 1969, Staff Sergeant Gertsch distinguished himself through extraordinary acts of heroism during a series of engagements against enemy forces in the A Shau Valley. On July 15, while his unit was attempting to secure contested terrain, his platoon leader was severely wounded. Under intense enemy fire, Gertsch rushed forward to rescue him and then assumed command of the platoon. He led an immediate counterattack, successfully pushing back the enemy and stabilizing the position.
Later, while conducting reconnaissance, the platoon was again ambushed. Staff Sergeant Gertsch repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to retrieve wounded soldiers and reorganize his men, continuing to press the attack and repel hostile forces.
On July 19, the platoon came under a third major assault. During the opening moments of the attack, Gertsch was seriously wounded. Despite his injuries, he refused evacuation and continued to command his platoon, directing fire and movement against the enemy. When an enemy force launched a close-range assault against a wounded soldier and the medic treating him, Staff Sergeant Gertsch placed himself directly in the line of attack, physically blocking the enemy and sacrificing his life to save others.
For his conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and selfless devotion to duty above and beyond the call of service, Staff Sergeant John Garry Gertsch was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
He is buried at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Cemetery (formerly North Side Catholic Cemetery) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His legacy endures as one of courage, leadership, and ultimate sacrifice, an example of the highest standards of military service.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
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