1999 Assembly Resolution 41
ENGROSSED RESOLUTION
Relating to: commemorating the achievements and contributions of Wisconsin's 6 Vietnam veterans who were awarded the Medal of Honor.
Whereas, the Medal of Honor is the highest recognition given by this nation to members of the U.S. armed forces; and
Whereas, of the 165,400 Wisconsin men and women who served their nation during the Vietnam War, only 6 were recognized with this honor; and
Whereas, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War; and
Whereas, Gary Wetzel was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in 1968 when, according to his citation, he "distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life"; and
Whereas, Harold Fritz was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in 1969 when, according to his citation, he "armed only with a pistol and bayonet, led a small group of his men in a fierce and daring charge which routed the attackers and inflicted heavy casualties"; and
Whereas, Kenneth Stumpf was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in 1967 when he brought 3 wounded men to safety while under fire and then destroyed an enemy bunker; and
Whereas, Robert Modrzejewski was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in 1966 when he helped capture a large cache of enemy supplies and then defended the position against a much larger enemy force; and
Whereas, Lance Sijan was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in 1967 when he was shot down over enemy territory, evaded capture for many weeks, refused to provide information to his captors once he was captured despite torture and other deprivations, and died in captivity in 1968; and
Whereas, Leslie Bellrichard was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in 1967 when he threw himself on a live grenade in his foxhole during intense fighting with the enemy, thus sacrificing his life to save the lives of his fellow soldiers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, That the members of the Wisconsin assembly salute Wisconsin's 6 Vietnam War Medal of Honor awardees for their bravery and service to their nation; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to Gary Wetzel, Harold Fritz, Kenneth Stumpf, Robert Modrzejewski and the families of Lance Sijan and Leslie Bellrichard.
