US Army SSG Laszlo Rabel: Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient

In 1965, Rabel enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. After earning his jump wings at Fort Benning, he became a private first class with the 101st Airborne Division. Not long afterward, he was transferred to Company A, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade just before its deployment to Vietnam.

In 1967, Rabel successfully completed reconnaissance commando training, known as RECONDO School.

On November 13, 1968, now a staff sergeant, Rabel was leading Team Delta, 74th Infantry Detachment.

His team was positioned in a defensive perimeter while conducting reconnaissance along enemy trail networks. That morning, one of his men detected movement to their front.

As Staff Sergeant Rabel and another soldier prepared to investigate, he heard the unmistakable sound of a grenade landing inside their perimeter.

With complete disregard for his own life, Rabel located the grenade and threw himself onto it, covering it with his body and absorbing the full force of the explosion.

He was killed instantly.

His selfless act prevented the loss of life and serious injury among the other members of Team Delta.

For his extraordinary heroism, Staff Sergeant Laszlo Rabel was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

You can watch a short video about his story here: https://youtube.com/shorts/3FixcpsCGgc

Medal of Honor Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Rabel distinguished himself while serving as leader of Team Delta, 74th Infantry Detachment. At 1000 hours on this date, Team Delta was in a defensive perimeter conducting reconnaissance of enemy trail networks when a member of the team detected enemy movement to the front. As S/Sgt. Rabel and a comrade prepared to clear the area, he heard an incoming grenade as it landed in the midst of the team's perimeter. With complete disregard for his life, S/Sgt. Rabel threw himself on the grenade and, covering it with his body, received the complete impact of the immediate explosion. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, S/Sgt. Rabel averted the loss of life and injury to the other members of Team Delta. By his gallantry at the cost of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, S/Sgt. Rabel has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.