THE WALL OF FACES

I met Joel at Fort Ord when we were in basic training together. Always had a smile on his face. I'll always remember him as we were the last two to leave the company area after graduation. I was waiting for my wife. Also, his and my service numbers are identical except for the last 2. His 14 and mine 41.

Alumni from Bishop Amat Memorial High School remembered the ultimate sacrifice of Corporal Joel Michael Sabel, an Amat Lancer from the class of 1961, on Memorial Day 2020. Pictured is California's Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Sacramento, CA.

Joel and I met at Ft. Bragg FFTG in 1966. We trained to be medics. We are both on the same set of orders go to VN in 1967. Ge came to my mother's house to meet my family before we went to Viet Nam. Joel went to the 173 Abn BDE and went to the 101st Abn. I was wounded in May and while I was in Japan recovering Joel was KIA at Dad To. His DSC is not surprising at all he was both a fine man and soldier. I think of you and other I served with who were killed and look forward to being reunited with you in the future.

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

Joel Michael Sabel

DATE OF BIRTH: 22-Sep-43

HOME OF RECORD:
West Covina, California

Distinguished Service Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Battalion: 4th Battalion (Airborne)
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4663 (September 14, 1967)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Joel Michael Sabel (ASN: RA-19848614), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Specialist Four Sabel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 July 1967 while serving as a medic of an Airborne infantry company on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. When his company came under heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from a well entrenched enemy force, Specialist Sabel repeatedly ignored his own safety to move among his wounded comrades to treat them. Seriously wounded himself, he refused medical aid and instructed others in treating the injured while he bandaged his own wounds. He continued to expose himself to the withering hostile fire while rendering constant aid to others despite his own injuries. With mortar and automatic weapons falling around him, he never stopped to consider his own welfare. He was mortally wounded while bravely caring for the needs of his comrades in the face of grave danger. Specialist Four Sabel'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.