George K. Wanat Jr., United States Army: Distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepedity at the repeated risk of his life from 5 to 8 April 1972 while serving as Acting District Senior Advisor, Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 5 April 1972, the 5th Viet Cong Division launched a massive ground attack against Loc Ninh. The attack was supported by artillery and tanks. Captain Wanat skillfully directed tactical airstrikes and helicopter gunships in support of Loc Ninh District Forces. During the battle, Captain Wanat fought magnificantly. Time and again he exposed himself to enemy direct fire on top of his own position to drive off the attacking enemy. Recognizing that command and control was faltering, Captain Wanat repeatedly endangered himself to withering enemy fire while moving from bunker to bunker to rally and command friendly forces. The combination of Captain Vanat’s personal example and professional skill coupled with available firepower kept the numerically superior enemy at bay for more than two days. Despite the valiant efforts of the defenders, the City of Loc Ninh was completely overrun by the enemy on 7 April 1972, but Captain Wanat, through his courageous actions, extracted a horrendous price from the enemy for their tactical accomplishment. Captain Wanat’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon him and the United States Army.

George became a Prisoner of War on 8 April after the City of Loc Ninh was captured by the enemy. He was released on 02/12/1973 and currently lives in North Easton, MA.