MEDAL OF HONOR: Ranger RUNS THROUGH Hail of Gunfire to Save His Men | Gary Beikirch

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While serving as a sergeant with Company B of the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, Sgt. Gary Beikirch was stationed at Dak Seang Camp, home to Montagnard villagers and fighters, in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum.
On April 1, 1970, the camp was attacked by a numerically superior North Vietnamese force. While his Montagnard assistants treated the wounded, Beikirch fought back with a 4.2 inch mortar and, after that weapon was disabled by hostile fire, a machine gun.
Learning that a fellow American soldier was wounded and lying in an exposed position, he ran through heavy fire to rescue the man. He was hit by shrapnel in the process, including one fragment which struck near his spine and partially paralyzed him. Despite being severely wounded Beikirch would continue to aid the wounded and repel the enemy attack.
For the remainder of the battle he had his Montagnard assistants carry him from one position to another as he treated the injured. He was wounded in the side while giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a Montagnard fighter and was then shot in the stomach.
For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon on October 15, 1973.
Gary Beikirch passed away on December 26, 2021 at the age of 74.
Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Beikirch, medical aidman, Detachment B-24, Company B, distinguished himself during the defense of Camp Dak Seang. The allied defenders suffered a number of casualties as a result of an intense, devastating attack launched by the enemy from well-concealed positions surrounding the camp. Sgt. Beikirch, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved unhesitatingly through the withering enemy fire to his fallen comrades, applied first aid to their wounds and assisted them to the medical aid station. When informed that a seriously injured American officer was lying in an exposed position, Sgt. Beikirch ran immediately through the hail of fire. Although he was wounded seriously by fragments from an exploding enemy mortar shell, Sgt. Beikirch carried the officer to a medical aid station. Ignoring his own serious injuries, Sgt. Beikirch left the relative safety of the medical bunker to search for and evacuate other men who had been injured. He was again wounded as he dragged a critically injured Vietnamese soldier to the medical bunker while simultaneously applying mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to sustain his life. Sgt. Beikirch again refused treatment and continued his search for other casualties until he collapsed. Only then did he permit himself to be treated. Sgt. Beikirch's complete devotion to the welfare of his comrades, at the risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
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[@robburnside6636]

Mr. Beikirch recently passed. He was a local hero, deservedly. He set the bar very high. RIP sir.

[@Planner38]

He was a man of faith who has gone to be with the Lord.

[@josiahhamilton9161]

Rip to the balls of steel hero 15 year old that saved this man's life selflessly

[@party4keeps28]

I'm a little confused. It sounded like he said the kid's name was Dale. Was he an American? I didn't think anyone under 18 was able to sneak in to the military after the Korean war. So was he Vietnamese but went by Dale?

[@alan30189]

@@party4keeps28 Probably Vietnamese

[@party4keeps28]

@@alan30189 Yeah, probably.

[@kpmariner1998]

Likely DAO

[@Bobm-kz5gp]

It was Dao probably

[@ronaldwarren5220]

As a Vietnam vet I am honored by men such as Gary. Enjoy eternity in Heaven brother.

[@zacharypeery4082]

"I really believe that you'll never truly lead anybody until you learn to serve, and you'll never truly serve anybody until you learn that there is something greater than yourself"- Gary Beikirch As the Lord once called Gary Beikirch into this life, Now the Lord calls him home to life everlasting. Thank you Mr. Beikirch for your service to this nation and especially what you did on that April day in 1970. An awe inspiring American

[@andrewwebb-trezzi2422]

You can say what you want about the Vietnam war, but this man truly wanted freedom for all. A true hero. Rest In Peace Dai Lao(sp?)

[@skykeg4978]

Mr Beikirch is what makes America great. Not some politician, athlete, or entertainer.

[@vivek27789]

True.. Very True

[@Thomas-uw1gq]

Agree !!!!!? Always say the same!!!!! Vietnam Vet , Tom

[@malaquiasrivera5357]

He came to my classroom 3 years ago and told my class his story. I was able to read him a poem my teacher asked me to write about sacrifice. I think about this encounter often and to find out he has passed is deeply saddening. I hope his soul is at peace and that he’s family prospers.

[@vascomoreira3936]

Rest in Peace Brave Man.

[@haroldadkins770]

Such a brave man my hero thank you may God bless you sir thank you

[@lhkraut]

You know the medal has been given to a man of honor when he says he doesn't know why he received it. No one should go through what he, and so many others, went through upon coming home. The people who treated our veterans so poorly should really be ashamed of themselves. Thank you to Sgt. Beikirch, and all the servicemen who fought for us, may he rest in peace.

[@lhkraut]

@@topgeardel I feel sorry for you.

[@luis566lc]

Top gears mother bringing you in to this world was an American disgrace and tragedy. Hopefully people piss on his grave when ever it’s set up for the pain and suffering he caused america when he was born.

[@jamestiscareno4387]

@@topgeardel this veteran was a soldier, not a politician. There are no words I can convey to you that would in any way change your thinking, so I will offer none. The guilt you carry inside you is eating you up. So much so, you hide behind a curtain of anger towards others but it's YOU yourself that is the real aim of your anger. May you come to terms with your inner unrest and find peace and understanding and solace.

[@j.c.h7127]

Two of the places where Vietnam veterans were actually treated badly in the late 1960s and early 1970s were the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

[@j.c.h7127]

@@topgeardel - a lot of Vietnam vets, not all, but a lot, grew their hair long and dressed like hippies. Many of them got involved with the anti-war movement. That's a combination that did not go over very well at local Legion Halls and VFW Clubs. Americans have a very selective memory. Rambo quotes do not make for accurate history.

[@jamestiscareno4387]

I didn't want the video to end. I wanted to hear more of his story. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. God bless his soul and may he have the peace he so longed to find. Forever an American Hero. 🇺🇸

[@andreweaton5403]

RIP to a true hero this was a amazing story thanks to all those in service and who have served no one will know what they have had to go through both in service and after they deserve all the respect in this world. Praying for their minds and hearts to be at peace. This country wouldnt be as great as it is without them. Thank you.

[@DRFelGood]

Thank you for your Service 🇺🇸 God Bless you and your family 🇺🇸 Rest In Peace 🇺🇸

[@carolecarr5210]

He was so traumatized yet he took a route to help his PTSD that was unique. Medics were the tops of our medical pyramid.

[@jaredc8281]

Crazy to think that college students in America would harass and bully their peers who were most likely drafted. Absolutely disgusting....Thank you for your service and story Mr Beikirch. Rest in Peace good sir 🙏

[@jaredc8281]

@@topgeardel you must be one of the cowards I discuss.

[@timhester6634]

@@jaredc8281 OH SNAP you tell them

[@jamesjarrettt3995]

@@jaredc8281 nah he's got a point bruh. It was a different place in time

[@jaredc8281]

@@jamesjarrettt3995 I get the point BRUH: it's OK for college students to bully and harass people as long as they're ex soldiers. Times haven't changed much it seems...

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Gutless worms roamed the country at that time, sadly thier still around. And yes I was a kid at that time and what I saw in this country was shameful!

[@dirtnapz996]

Thank you for your service, sir!

[@dc6758]

Wow Dale was a hero

[@bsmccrunner4]

15 y.o. Dale is the hero that gave his life so this hero could exist

[@richardthornhill4630]

Thanks to this channel for preserving and sharing this Vietnam's Vet's story. May His eternity be in peace.

[@party4keeps28]

This is one hell of a story. What upset me most was how he was treated in our own country. It seemed that that's what upset him most as well.

[@party4keeps28]

@Ricky That's great. I wish it had been the same for everyone.

[@garykenyon3908]

Gary was a Brother and friend to me and one of the early Directors of the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester, NY. He also led a weekly men’s group there as well as doing family counseling…he was a very special person and will be long-remembered and loved. His story is well-told in his biography A BRIGHT SHINING LIGHT. I miss and loved you, Brother.

[@glockparaastra]

God Bless you sir. Rest in heavenly peace.

[@bryanessing3344]

HERO.

[@rikijett310]

Thank you for your service and may God bless you always!!! ✝️🇺🇸

[@patriotprepperchannel1828]

Thank you to Our Veterans and a belated Welcome home to our Vietnam Veterans.

[@Manmodor007]

Example of how we need to honor our men and women who have served. Not just with a medal, but with daily compassion and a service to thier needs after thier service has ended. They have served and paid the price to protect our rights and freedom. Shame on us for tossing men like this aside, in thier times of need.

[@tonyb337]

Thank you for your service sir,in Honor of Dale and SSG NICHOLAS P BELLARD MY SON who gave his life for his country in Iraq

[@macklems5552]

God bless you

[@jaysonschultz8091]

Incredible story. Incredible person.

[@haywood_jiblomi4109]

wish there was more people like this in our world today… too many people pointing fingers and crying wolf. my heart goes out to this man and his family.

[@thefoolscrusade8523]

In 2019, the NHL honored 46 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients prior to the first game of the season. Sgt. Beikirch was interviewed during the ceremony and I’ll never forget what he said: “Each of us were created for a purpose. We have a reason to live.” Thank you, sir. God blessed us with you.

[@lovelessissimo]

Thats why the NHL is the last bastion of sanity in pro sports.

[@bradleytenderholt5135]

Thank God that you are still alive! Thank you solder for your service. You are loved!!!

[@newportexec]

Had the opportunity of chatting with him a couple times at church. Humility. Quiet strength. Faith in His God. He is with His Maker-Redeemer. I use his story when I preach about self-sacrifice.

[@sectortech12b8]

Good man, great story, I remember coming home on leave in uniform in 74 and the negative comments were disturbing

[@scottanddebranelson8419]

great story of a heck of a man. in his own words. thanks for postin

[@tysonmadding8559]

No matter what I felt about war it always pissed me off how the Vietnam vets were treated when they got home .....RIP Gary

[@tysonmadding8559]

@Ricky good for you .....that's not true for most who came back and were called baby killers and spit on and alot worse ....but I'm glad you had a good experience

[@jonhogue3793]

Im so fortunate to have this patriot’s autograph in my Vietnam veteran signature book. True patriot, even if the reasons for that war were totally fucked. True patriot, true hero.

[@alan30189]

Amazing story. Sounds like Dale should get a Medal of Honor, too!

[@CTE26]

Rip dale. What a real one, respect.

[@j1st633]

Holy crap. What a story. Thanks for your service. RIP.

[@yb5515]

Well done good and faithful servant!

[@184876ela]

TRUE PATRIOT REST EASY SIR

[@aneily]

Wow! What a man What a story I love that he has communicated his journey without making it easy for us.. It got dark, and we need to hear about that

[@markpoore3260]

Rip sir thank you for your service. Hero’s names are on the front of a military uniform not the back of a sports jersey

[@Thomas-uw1gq]

Absolutely!!!??? Nam Vet , Tom

[@smallkrmit5717]

Thank you for your service sir

[@mattdanaher1977]

Rest In Peace Sir!

[@huntingtonbeachsasquatch]

GOD BLESS THIS SOLDIER, Thank You Sir.! 💯👍💯⭐💯⭐💯👍😉

[@murielglass5333]

One great man.

[@bvierville1]

Thank you!

[@gerrydepp8164]

Great Man. RIP mate...

[@mikefuse8064]

Well done that man and Dale a true warrior

[@brandond6724]

Mission accomplished sir!

[@glennlarson9343]

Wonderful man.

[@steveg5933]

For a Brother Doc- Stand down now good and faithful servant. Your long watch is over. We have the Conn now. Go rest high on that mountain brother. Be at ease, Rest in Honored Peace. Go forth and war no more. God's Speed and God bless. Prayers for your family and friends. Prayers for those still on watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas Brother. And one more time this old Doc whispers, Semper Fi........

[@Peter-od7op]

I served under carter that was not a good time. I love this man for all he did ty

[@bntaft5133]

Thanks y'all. Maranatha Brothers

[@joseo.5721]

God bless you Sir !

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🏆🏆🏆👍🇺🇲🙏 🎖️🎖️🎖️🇺🇲🛐 Thank you for sharing

[@horizon42q]

An amazing person

[@bigboarstoughdogs8950]

True hero

[@mitchellmcdowell8546]

I wonder if the people who so bullied this man, and others like him, ever felt contrite about their actions in later years? And if so, did they ever do anything to make up for such despicable conduct? I certainly hope so.

[@randy1576]

I was thinking the same thing. I also hope they realized how repulsive their actions were to someone who was fighting for them. And made restitution in some way.

[@b_Loopy]

Some of these men look so young for 95, so I wonder, how recent are these interviews?

[@judgejimbobrowntown3214]

I watched my pap that was first wave 5th division hitting Iwo Jima suffer of a lil survivors remorse i can only explain as his grandson that something or someone was with you men gaurding you in some way he had many close battles which he never even told gram just me his old buddy rip pops

[@earlyriser8998]

i know a few of this generation...slightly older than me....but his story is compelling

[@cxllin2178]

Wow great story

[@dannypopaz7694]

Rip brave heart

[@raleighhollerboywv7253]

They spit on and knocked the books off the table of a man that could've ended them with his bare hands in seconds

[@jerryc1010]

Glad I read the comments. At first I thought it was a BS story, but all the commenters seem to believe. The 15 year old "bodyguard" story and the spine being hit by schrapnel but he kept fighting being carried around by the 15 year old didn't ring true to me. But 130 comments of believers "convinced" me to believe!

[@justachipn3039]

I time when America wanted Freedom and Liberty for all... sadly, this Constitutional Republic is bleeding out...

[@johndodson8464]

Words only absolute bad asses say: " I remember the first time I got wounded."

[@samrichmond9709]

Poor guy. I wished those people wouldn’t have spit on him

[@danskhus]

So a great man that went to war, risked his life for his country and lost a lot of people that he truly loved didn't have anyrhing when he came back, beat up car, no place to live and couldn't afford clothes, that's a pretty ungrateful country

[@harrywalker1621]

RIP

[@marcbloemen2082]

How do you make 15- year old friends in Special forces though?

[@tnreprasentog7769]

The man was a Green Beret not a ranger... 2 very different things

[@spg77777]

Let's Go Brandon!!

[@ajlib]

Hold on, is he saying he is not gonna die because he didnt die in battle?

[@coachjonjiujitsu]

Until Valhalla!

[@wannabe4668]

15? How did he lie to get into the military?

[@spanky376]

As a very proud American who loves and respects those that serve, I watch every one of these and ever time, without fail, I find my life’s work will never come close to the service these men and women have given to us all. I know he is in a very special place! These folks are made by the hand of God to do very special and uncommon valorous work. At 58, I still have so much left to learn and accomplish to even get in the same line as this man……I’m humbled.

[@christamius2834]

Apparently, todays youth has learned nothing from my parents generation. That generation was cruel to those they disagreed with and it’s come full circle yet again. If they don’t agree with your logic, they shame, condemn, and cancel instead of converse.

[@retrob9346]

🫡🇺🇸

[@ghostfifth]

15

[@davidvincent980]

I wonder if it is true...

[@SergeantSquared]

Whenever he talks about the special relationship with the fifteen year old who picked him up, nowadays that'll be reinterpreted as a sodomous relationship. To all the history rewriters out there, that's not what he's talking about.

[@josephdelp87]

Something is fishy in this story.

[@Thomas-uw1gq]

You ! Nam Vet , Tom

[@hernanlecea7041]

RIP