Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

or
  • Filter Recipient Database here
    • Service Branch
    • Conflict / Era
    • Additional Filters
      -  
    or

Vietnam War - U.S. Army

George Alan Ingalls

Details
  • Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company A, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry,
    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: April 16, 1967
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam
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.

Medal of Honor Recipient George A. Ingalls
Medal of Honor Recipient George A. Ingalls
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: January 30, 1969

    The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of the Army Stanley R. Resor to his family

  • Born: March 9, 1946, Hanford, Kings County, CA, United States
  • Died: April 16, 1967, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Crestlawn Memorial Park (MH) (620-A), Riverside, CA, United States
 

Questions? For More Information Contact Us!