Photo from the Warren Times Observer The Times Observer published the story of John Gertsch’s Medal of Honor award above the paper’s masthead when it was announced in July 1974.

Just 268 were awarded to the 2.7 million who served in the Armed Forces in Vietnam.

John Gary Gertsch is one of them.

Gertsch was born in September 1944. A Times Mirror and Observer article notes that he graduated from Sheffield High School in 1963 and that he and his sister had spent 13 years living at the Ruth M. Smith Center Home.

“It seems like only yesterday that we were witnessing the exploits of John Gertsch, as a hard nosed player from the town of Sheffield,” an editor wrote on the sports page in the July 30, 1969 edition. “And yesterday we were saddened to hear of the death of this man on the fields of Vietnam.”

Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton The name of Medal of Honor recipient John Gertsch is located on Panel 20W, Line 19 on the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C.

Gertsch had been killed in fighting in the A Shau Valley on July 19. He was a platoon sergeant.

“As we recall, Gertsch was one of the toughest and most enduring athletes Sheffield has witnessed in some time. In 1962-63, this lad lettered twice for the Orange and Black on the gridiron and on the hardwood court.

“In winning two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, the Army Commendation medal and other commendations for his active part in the 101st Airborne Division, it is obvious that John carried on his leadership talent.”

A paper in Lock Haven reported that Gertsch was to be discharged in November, was on his second tour in Vietnam and was looking forward to entering college. Funeral services were held in Pittsburgh, where he was laid to rest.

According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Gertsch served in Co. E, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.

By 1975, a memorial fund had been established and memorials were proposed.

“Gertsch was a native of Sheffield prior to entering the armed forces,” the paper reported. “He was born in 1944 at Jersey City, New Jersey. But his formative years were spent in Sheffield.”

His Medal of Honor citation is dated July 15-19, 1969 and it was presented to his sister by President Gerald Ford in July 1974.

Here’s his Medal of Honor Citation:

Sgt. Gertsch distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant and platoon leader during combat operations in the A Shau Valley.

During the initial phase of an operation to seize a strongly defended enemy position, S/Sgt. Gertsch’s platoon leader was seriously wounded and lay exposed to intense enemy fire.

Forsaking his own safety, without hesitation S/Sgt. Gertsch rushed to aid his fallen leader and dragged him to a sheltered position. He then assumed command of the heavily engaged platoon and led his men in a fierce counterattack that forced the enemy to withdraw.

Later, a small element of S/Sgt. Gertsch’s unit was reconnoitering when attacked again by the enemy.

S/Sgt. Gertsch moved forward to his besieged element and immediately charged, firing as he advanced.

His determined assault forced the enemy troops to withdraw in confusion and made possible the recovery of two wounded men who had been exposed to heavy enemy fire.

Sometime later his platoon came under attack by an enemy force employing automatic-weapons, grenade, and rocket fire.

S/Sgt. Gertsch was severely wounded during the onslaught but continued to command his platoon despite his painful wound.

While moving under fire and encouraging his men he sighted an aidman treating a wounded officer from an adjacent unit. Realizing that both men were in imminent danger of being killed, he rushed forward and positioned himself between them and the enemy nearby.

While the wounded officer was being moved to safety SSgt. Gertsch was mortally wounded by enemy fire.

Without S/Sgt. Gertsch’s courage, ability to inspire others, and profound concern for the welfare of his men, the loss of life among his fellow soldiers would have been significantly greater.

His conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit on him and the Armed Forces of his country.