Gary Rose

On October 23, 2017, President Donald J. Trump awarded Capt. Gary Rose with the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions in Laos during the Vietnam War.

During the Vietnam War, Rose served as a combat medic with the Military Assistance Command Studies and Observations Group, part of Special Forces. He was recognized for actions during a four-day period that spanned Sept. 11 through 14, 1970, in Laos. The mission, called “Operation Tailwind,” had for many years been classified.

Upon landing in Laos, the combined American and foreign force was under constant fire. Rose risked his life to rescue a wounded soldier who was stranded outside of the defensive perimeter, shielding the soldier with his own body.

Despite being injured by enemy fire himself, and having to use a branch as a crutch, Rose continued to care for his wounded comrades. By the end of the four-day mission, Rose had treated upwards of 60-70 men and thanks to his efforts, all 16 American soldiers returned home to safety.