Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company C, 1st Battalion, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division "Trailblazers", U.S. Army (Company C, 1st Battalion, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division "Trailblazers", U.S. Army)

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1945

Citation:
"For heroic achievement in action on 17 February 1945. As his point squad advanced through heavy enemy artillery fire in the Hardwald France, Staff Sergeant Hetzel’s two lead scouts were killed by machine gun bursts from an unknown direction. Realizing that the company had to take its objective before the approachIng darkness and that the concealed guns were a threat to the lives of his comrades, he deliberately exposed himself to the hostile fire to point out the location of the enemy gun. In so doing, he was instantly killed by enemy fire. The strongpoint was then eliminated and the company moved forward to its objetive on schedule. His Courageous action exemplifies the highest standard of bravery in the Armed Forces of the United States."

Awarded posthumously.
General Orders No. 70, Headquarters 70th Infantry Division (19 July 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)