b. 09/03/1946 Hanford, California. d. 16/04/1967 Quang Ngai, Vietnam.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 16/04/1967 Quang Ngai, Vietnam.
George A Ingalls MOH
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously for his actions as a specialist 4th class in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, US Army, on April 16, 1967, near Duc Pho, South Vietnam (now Republic of Vietnam). He joined the US Army in 1966 and following his initial training, he was sent to South Vietnam where he died in combat at the age of 21 by smothering his body over an enemy grenade that had been thrown into his position. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he received the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (with one star), the Vietnam Gallantry Cross (with palm), and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
His posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his family on January 30, 1969 at The Pentagon by Secretary of the Army, Stanley R. Resor.
MOH CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Ingalls, a member of Company A, accompanied his squad on a night ambush mission. Shortly after the ambush was established, an enemy soldier entered the killing zone and was shot when he tried to evade capture. Other enemy soldiers were expected to enter the area, and the ambush was maintained in the same location. Two quiet hours passed without incident, then suddenly a hand grenade was thrown from the nearby dense undergrowth into the center of the squad’s position. The grenade did not explode, but shortly thereafter a second grenade landed directly between Sp4c. Ingalls and a nearby comrade. Although he could have jumped to a safe position, Sp4c. Ingalls, in a spontaneous act of great courage, threw himself on the grenade and absorbed its full blast. The explosion mortally wounded Sp4c. Ingalls, but his heroic action saved the lives of the remaining members of his squad. His gallantry and selfless devotion to his comrades are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon Sp4c. Ingalls, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
BURIAL LOCATION: CRESTLAWN MEMORIAL PARK, RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA.
GARDEN OF VESPERLAND, LOT 620, GRAVE A.
NAMED ON THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL, WASHINGTON DC. PANEL 18E, LINE 35.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
