Bio: Sandel, Ronald – Pfc. E-3 (Bronze Medal – Dec 1967)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sandel, Galyean, Jackson

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 18 Jan 1968

By direction of the President, Pfc. E-3 Ronald Sandel was awarded posthumously the Bronze Star Medal for heroism her Monday afternoon.

The Bronze Star Medal with a special attached “V” device and the Purple Heart were presented his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Sandel at their home here by 1st Lt. Donald D. Galyean, Btry. A., 3rd Bn. (Herc), 68Arty. of Roberts, Wis.

The award signed by Colonel Charles A. Jackson, Chief of Staff, reads:

“For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On Oct. 9, 1967 Private First Class Sandel distinguished himself while serving as Senior Medical Aidman of Company A., 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, on a search and destroy mission near Phuoo Son.

“Company A was moving through its area of opeation when it made contact with a force of the North Vietnamese Army and began receiving heavy automatic weapons fire. Several men were wounded before they could take cover and return fire, and one of them fell in an exposed area to the front of Private First Class Sandel’s position.

“Without regard for his own safety, he ran forward in an attempt to rescue the man. He had pick the soldier up and was carrying him to a more secure position when he himself was hit by enemy fire and mortally woudend.

“Private First Class Sandel’s self-sacrificing courage is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on himself, his unit and the United States Army.”