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PFC Dennis Alvin
McKellar
Age 20
Headquarters &
Headquarters Company
Died: October 24, 1966 |
Company A received fire from a
hostile force numbering twenty or more. After capturing two
and killing two enemy, a more intense fire fight developed as a
determined enemy fought to break away. After artillery and
air support weakened the enemy position, the "PAVN Hunters" swept
the area, bringing the total enemy KIA to 19. During this
action medic Dennis Alvin McKellar, while attending another
wounded soldier, was hit by automatic weapons fire and killed.
[Medics were part of Headquarters company, and assigned to the
various combat companies...]
PFC McKellar received the
Silver Star for his bravery in this action. The citation
reads, in part,
"Private First Class McKellar distinguished himself
while serving as Platoon Medic for the 3rd Platoon, Company A,
which was conducting a search and destroy mission in the
mountainous and dense jungle near Plei Djerang. The company
encountered a well fortified North Vietnamese force and the Third
Platoon maneuvered to eliminate a bunker complex which housed
enemy automatic weapons. With great determination and
courage the platoon aggressively assaulted the enemy and destroyed
the position; however, a well placed and concealed enemy sniper
began to pick off the gallant friendly troops. A soldier
received a gun shot wound in the hip and called for a medic.
Private First Class McKellar immediately and unhesitatingly went
to his comrade's aid. While attending the soldier's wound,
the sniper again opened fire and hit Private First Class McKellar
in the base of the spine. Although critically wounded and
completely incapacitated, Private First Class McKellar initially
refused assistance from another soldier who came to his aid.
Instead, he gave verbal instructions to the new helper so that his
patient's wound might be properly cared for. Private First
Class McKellar and his wounded comrades were evacuated; however,
the valiant medic died of his wounds shortly after he was admitted
to the hospital. By unhesitatingly placing the life of his
fellow man above his own, Private First Class McKellar
demonstrated courage, determination, and devotion to duty of the
highest order. |
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PFC McKellar was from Rose City, Michigan.
Length of service 2 months
His tour began on Aug 24, 1966
Casualty was on Oct 24, 1966
In SOUTH VIETNAM, PLEIKU PROVINCE
DIED OF WOUNDS, SMALL ARMS FIRE
Body was recovered
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Photos of Dennis McKellar |
