THE WALL OF FACES

CITATION FOR AWARD OF THE

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS


SABEL, JOEL MICHAEL
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army

Headquarters and Headquarters Company
4th Battalion (Airborne)
503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate)

Date of Action: 10 July 1967


Citation:


The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joel Michael Sabel, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. 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.


HQ US Army, Vietnam

General Orders No. 4663 (14 September 1967)





THE PROUD YOUNG VALOR THAT ROSE ABOVE THE MORTAL

AND THEN, AT LAST, WAS MORTAL AFTER ALL





YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE





31 JULY 1999

Joel, Although we never met, I just want you to know you are not forgotten. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for what you believed in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you for protecting the freedoms we have today.
A true hero.

CORPORAL


JOEL MICHAEL SABEL


served as a


COMBAT MEDIC


with


HEADQUARTERS & HEADQUARTERS COMPANY

4th BATTALION

503rd INFANTRY REGIMENT

101st AIRBORNE DIVISION

" THE SCREAMING EAGLES "


and was posthumously awarded the



DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS


PURPLE HEART





THE PROUD YOUNG VALOR THAT ROSE ABOVE THE MORTAL

AND THEN, AT LAST, WAS MORTAL AFTER ALL





YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE





2-14-19999

Joel and I were in basic together in 1965 at Ft. Ord, Calif. He is remembered for his sincerity, honesty, and friendliness.

You are honored and remembered by the veterans of West Covina. You will never be forgotten in your hometown. We salute you.