SP5 - E5 - United States Army
91B20 - Medical Specialist
B Company, 1st Battalion
5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airborne)

22 Years Old
Leadville, Colorado
November 22, 1944 to June 21, 1967

Rosetta Heathman remembers Edgar...

I was a child of 13 when I first met Edgar Lee.  He was a quiet man but took the
time to be remembered in my life forever.  I remember how proud he was in his
uniform ready to serve his country and I remember the day they came to the door
to tell his mother that he had served his country to the very end.  His sister was
my best friend and seeing how it hurt her, when the news came, made me feel his
loss even more.  He was a giving man and proved it when he gave everything he had.

Recipient of:
Congressional Medal of Honor - June 21, 1967

Purple Heart
National Defense Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Combat Medical Badge
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Edgar's citation for the Congressional Medal of Honor...

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty.  Serving as a medical aidman with Company B, Sp5c. McWethy
accompanied his platoon to the site of a downed helicopter.  Shortly after the platoon
established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, a large enemy force attacked the
position from 3 sides with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and grenades.  The
platoon leader and his radio operator were wounded almost immediately, and Sp5c.
McWethy rushed across the fire-swept area to their assistance.  Although he could not
help the mortally wounded radio operator, Sp5c. McWethy's timely first aid enabled the
platoon leader to retain command during this critical period.  Hearing a call for aid, Sp5c.
McWethy started across the open toward the injured men, but was wounded in the head and
knocked to the ground.  He regained his feet and continued on but was hit again, this time
in the leg.  Struggling onward despite his wounds, he gained the side of his comrades and
treated their injuries.  Observing another fallen rifleman lying in an exposed position raked
by enemy fire, Sp5c. McWethy reached his fallen companion.  Though weakened and in
extreme pain, Sp5c. McWethy gave the wounded man artificial respiration but suffered a
fourth and fatal wound.  Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety,
and demonstrated concern for his fellow soldiers, Sp5c. McWethy inspired the members of his
platoon and contributed in great measure to their successful defense of the position and the
ultimate rout of the enemy force.  Sp5c. McWethy's profound sense of duty, bravery, and his
willingness to accept extraordinary risks in order to help the men of his unit are characteristic
of the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the
U.S. Army.

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