Gunartt, John, Specialist E-4

United States Army, 1966-1972

Oak Park, IL

Private Gunartt was drafted into the U.S. Army in February 1966, where he was trained as an infantry soldier.  After completing basic and advanced infantry training, he was sent to South Vietnam in September 1966 until October 1967.  He was told that his mission in South Vietnam was to assist in preserving democracy and freedoms similar to what we have in the United States of America.  After arriving in South Vietnam, he was assigned to the First Air Cavalry Division, with its base camp at An Khe South Vietnam in the central highlands of the country.

Private First Class Gunartt was made a member of the 7^th Air Cavalry Regiment, where he served with distinction, participating mostly in search and destroy missions.  Support of air assault helicopters came mostly from the 227^th and 229^th AHB of which was attached to the First Air Cavalry.  Private Gunartt earned the Air Medal by distinguishing himself in combat while participating in various air-land assault missions.

Other medals and badges that were earned by Private Gunartt while serving in South Vietnam are as follows: The Combat Infantry Badge, was earned while on various missions and coming under hostile fire and participating in positions of active ground combat.  The Gallantry Cross w/Palm, was awarded for his individual deeds of valor and heroic efforts while under enemy fire.  The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, was earned for contributions of direct combat support for the Republic of South Vietnam.

The National Defense Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, was earned for

honorable military service to his country during a time period that a national emergency had been declared.  The Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, was earned for his contributions of direct combat support for the Republic of South Vietnam.  The Good Conduct Medal, was awarded to him for distinguishing himself with exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity while serving in active Federal military service.  At the end of Specialist E-4 Gunartt’s six year military obligation, he was given an Honorable Discharge for service to his country.