This week marks the Battle of Ia Drang Valley 48th anniversary in The Vietnam War. Today, November 18th marks the end of the battle that cemented the concept of “body count” by the American military leadership. 79 Americans and over 1,000 NVA troops were killed in this battle.
One of the most enduring photographs of this battle captures the US 3rd Brigade 1st Air Cavalry and helicopter pilot Bruce Crandall. Crandall flew for 14 consecutive hours between landing zone Xray and U.S. Army firebase Falcon delivering ammunition and evacuating wounded Americans. Crandall was awarded the Medal of Honor for his acts of intrepidity.
The Medal of Honor was bestowed posthumously upon Leslie H. Sabo Jr. who served our country honorably during the war in Vietnam.
They say that a man’s true character is revealed in the heat of battle. History teaches us there are acts of selfless heroism in battle that only certain people are capable of accomplishing. What instinct compels someone to jeopardize their own life?There is no way to measure true heroism under harrowing enemy fire. It certainly cannot be taught. However at the absolute apex of battle a rare selflessness emerges. I can only surmise seeing his fellow brothers dead, wounded or at great risk of being killed revealed this trait.
There is a very special bond between men who face death in battle. Leslie H. Sabo’s actions saved the lives of his brothers while pinned down under overwhelming hostile fire. Intrepidity — a very seldom used word to describe “resolute courageousness.” The Medal of Honor was justly bestowed posthumously upon Leslie H. Sabo Jr.
Does time diminish his sacrifice more than 40 years ago? Read the description of his last moments of his life and pause to not just look — but to see photographs of him in his childhood with his family, his wedding day and with his brothers in Vietnam. As I, you may be moved to tears recognizing today how especially devastating his loss has been for his wife, his family, his brothers in arms and our country.
