July 21, 2009 / 640 reads
Bret adds his signature to the Grand Marshals Harley. Past Grand Marshals include Peter Fonda and Ami James. Proceeds from this year's rally will benefit returning Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and their families.
Bret introducing and paying respect to an America's hero - Gary Wetzel. Gary is one of only 97 living recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The award is usually given posthumously. It is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
At 19 years of age Gary served as a door gunner in the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company. He served two tours and just before he was to return to the states, he was shot down for the fifth time on January 8, 1968. While attempting to help his fellow soldiers Wetzel was blown into a rice paddy by enemy rockets and critically wounded. Even though he was wounded and bleeding from the loss of his left arm he returned to his machine gun which was the only weapon able to fire on the enemy. He remained at his position until he had eliminated the weapons that had been firing on his fellow American troops. Despite his own wounds he continued to drag his fellow soldiers to safety. In November 1968, he received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon Johnson in a ceremony at the White House. Earlier in the day Gary presented Bret with his CMH Society commemorative coin.
