No war is easy since there will be a lot of things that need to be sacrificed, especially for those who fight as they will leave their loved ones behind, just like in the Vietnam War, where service members and GIs endured many hardships as they faced various problems, such as the climate, wildlife, terrain, and lack of food. They also endured logistical issues and the complicated political crisis in Vietnam. To top it all off, the war was a conflict that brought about a few conventional military objectives. These brave men and women were not the only ones who endured all these things; they also included the brave military medics who joined the infantry. Despite this, some were able to make it home to their families, but some were unfortunate. Learn more about one brave military medic that put it all on the line on the battlefield.
The Brave Military Medic on the Battlefield
Army Spc. Clarence Eugene Sasser was laid to rest in the Houston National Cemetery after his death on May 13, 2024. He was a member of the elite military personnel during the Vietnam War. In 1968, he was a military medic at the Army’s 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.
His team was under enemy fire while making an aerial insert into a rice paddy in the Mekong River. With the ambush that happened, he sustained a leg wound. Around 115 troops were dropped off, and 30 suffered casualties within minutes. Despite the wound, he runs across the rice paddy through fire to aid the wounded.
His bravery is comparable as he refused medical attention and endured wounds to help others. With Viet Cong snipers around them, they faced recoilless rifles, rocket fires, and machine guns. To survive, Sasser told his teammates to crawl to trees 100 meters away.
Overall, he had two wounds on his legs, and dragged himself through mud. Additionally, he lost blood, was in agonizing pain until he reached the safe zone. After regaining strength, he aided his teammates’ wounds until rescue arrived. The battle lasted 20 hours.
He and his team were evacuated to Japan, where he began helping treat wounds at the medical facility. While in the facility, Sasser learned he was recommended for the Medal of Honor. He later received his recognition from former President Richard Nixon in 1969. He is also a Purple Heart recipient, and he was discharged as a specialist 5th class that year.
The Humble Life of the Brave Military Medic
Army Spc. Clarence Sasser was a Texan, born in Brazoria County. He grew up in a small town near Houston. During high school, he studied at Marshall High School’s last segregated classes in 1965, where he graduated near the top of his class.
Sasser then decided to enter the University of Houston to study chemistry, but he dropped out due to lack of funds. He then joined the U.S. Army in June 1967, was qualified to be a medical aidman, and was included in the missions to Vietnam.
After he served as a military medic, he married Ethel Morant, and the two had three children. His career continued, and he took a position in an oil refinery. He stayed there for five years before joining the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
What Is the Process to Have a Medal of Honor?
This award is one of the most prestigious honors that can be given to someone who served in the armed forces. The medal is given to a service member who shows a distinguishing level of valor. To get the medal, one must undergo an extensive nomination and interview process, beginning with your commanding officer and ending with the President. Being given this award is an extraordinary and rare experience reserved for the very best service members.
Related reads:
- Bikini Atoll, Castle Bravo, and the Ongoing Fight for Compensation
- Honor Your Hero: How to Nominate a Veteran of the Day
- Exploring the Potential Vice Presidents’ Military Service: What Those Who Served With Them Think
