VIEW ALL PHOTOS (1)
HONORED ON PANEL 5W, LINE 17 OF THE WALL
RONALD EUGENE GERTEN
WALL NAME
RONALD E GERTEN
PANEL / LINE
5W/17
DATE OF BIRTH
CASUALTY PROVINCE
DATE OF CASUALTY
HOME OF RECORD
COUNTY OF RECORD
STATE
BRANCH OF SERVICE
RANK
REMEMBRANCES
LEFT FOR RONALD EUGENE GERTEN
POSTED ON 8.29.2016
POSTED BY: Laverne Keefe
Not forgotten
Whenever I think of and pray for my brother John Keefe who died from agent orange I also remember to include you for the sacrifice you made for your country. Your not forgotten.
POSTED ON 12.1.2013
POSTED BY: Curt Carter [email protected]
Remembering An American Hero
Dear CPL Ronald Eugene Gerten, sir
As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.
May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.
With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir
Curt Carter
As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.
May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.
With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir
Curt Carter
POSTED ON 12.11.2011
POSTED BY: Photo courtesy of Ruth Babcock and VVA Chapter 154
Always remembered
POSTED ON 9.26.2011
POSTED BY: Lisa Lark
Silver Star Citation
SILVER STAR awarded posthumously to Gerten, Ronald E, CPL (then PFC)
CITATION: For gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Gerten distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 31 December 1970 while serving as a Medical Aidman, attached to F Troop, 17th Cavalry. On that date, the troop was conducting combat operations against a well-equipped enemy force near Tam Ky when two friendly soldiers were seriously wounded by an enemy booby trap. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him. Private Gerten unhesitatingly joined a second aidman and rushed to the help of his injured comrades. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he quickly and effectively provided treatment under the most adverse conditions and directed the withdrawal of the men. Despite the continued enemy fire directed at his efforts, private Gerten refused to seek cover and maintained his vital treatment of the casualties even while they were being transported out of the area. As the friendly element approached the woodline, two additional booby-traps exploded, critically injuring him. Overcoming his serious wounds, his final efforts were devoted to the lives of his fellow soldiers. His timely and courageous actions were invaluable to the safety and morale of the entire company. Private First Class Gerten’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
CITATION: For gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Gerten distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 31 December 1970 while serving as a Medical Aidman, attached to F Troop, 17th Cavalry. On that date, the troop was conducting combat operations against a well-equipped enemy force near Tam Ky when two friendly soldiers were seriously wounded by an enemy booby trap. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him. Private Gerten unhesitatingly joined a second aidman and rushed to the help of his injured comrades. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he quickly and effectively provided treatment under the most adverse conditions and directed the withdrawal of the men. Despite the continued enemy fire directed at his efforts, private Gerten refused to seek cover and maintained his vital treatment of the casualties even while they were being transported out of the area. As the friendly element approached the woodline, two additional booby-traps exploded, critically injuring him. Overcoming his serious wounds, his final efforts were devoted to the lives of his fellow soldiers. His timely and courageous actions were invaluable to the safety and morale of the entire company. Private First Class Gerten’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
POSTED ON 1.25.2006
POSTED BY: Bill Nelson
Never Forgotten
FOREVER REMEMBERED
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."
Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.
We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:
Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.
From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."
Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.
We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:
Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.
From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers