Gregg Francis Steimel, United States Army: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Steimel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 July 1970 while serving as a machine gunner during combat operations in Tay Ninh Province. As Specialist Steimel’s unit advanced through the thick jungle undergrowth, they were contacted by a large well entrenched enemy force firing automatic weapons and command detonated mines. The initial enemy onslaught wounded approximately forty per -cent of the allied force and created temporary disorientation. Without hesitation, Specialist Steimel ran into the enemy fire spraying the hostile positions with intense machine gun fire. Although seriously wounded as he advanced, he remained in his forward position and continued his devastating fire to allow his comrades to evacuate the wounded allied soldiers. After the wounded had been evacuated to rear positions, the specialist again ran through the fire swept contact area to retrieve the weapons that the friendly casualties had left behind. As he performed this final action, he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Four Steimel’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Steimel entered the Army from Wright, KS and is buried in Dodge City, KS. His membership was sponsored by Pete Cullen, a researcher for the 12th Infantry Association.