Medal of Honor Day

Please join us on National Medal of Honor Day, Wednesday, March 25th at 2 p.m. Central as we pay tribute to recipients Sp4c. Gary George Wetzel, U.S. Army (Ret.) and SGT. Allen James Lynch, U.S. Army (Ret.).

Wetzel and Lynch will be in attendance as PMML President Scott English and Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala recognize their bravery, sacrifice, and service.

The program will feature a fireside chat with the two Medal of Honor recipients, moderated by WGTD Education Matters host Dr. Bob Haggarty. The event will also include the National Anthem, performed by Cheryl McCrary, former Mrs. Wisconsin Royalty International and recording artist, and a Presentation of Colors by the Kenosha Area Vietnam Veterans.

Honoring the Citizen Soldier is central to the mission of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. PMML is committed to preserving and sharing the stories of those who served, and to recognizing the courage shown by members of every generation of military service. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award, presented for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. First authorized during the Civil War, it remains one of the rarest and most distinguished honors in American military history.

PMML’s current Medal of Honor exhibit honors Hershel "Woody" Williams the Medal of Honor recipient known for his heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. During the Medal of Honor Day Program, PMML will also share its future vision for a larger and more prominent plans to honor Woody Williams and his legacy. The plan will invite visitors to pause, reflect, and engage more deeply with Woody Williams’s service and legacy.

Program Details (times shown in Central Time):

Special Tribute to Medal of Honor Recipients: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Day Activities: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

( "Design Your Own Medal of Honor " for the kids and viewing of rare artifacts from the PMML exclusive collection)

This event is free to the pubic.
Learn more below about the recipients being honored.

Register for the event

SP4c. Gary George Wetzel, U.S. ARMY, (Ret.)

Medal of Honor Recipient 1968

Sp4c. Wetzel, 173d Assault Helicopter Company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Wetzel was serving as door gunner aboard a helicopter which was part of an insertion force trapped in a landing zone by intense and deadly hostile fire during Vietnam in 1968. Although bleeding profusely due to the loss of his left arm and severe wounds in his right arm, chest, and left leg, Sp4c. Wetzel staggered back to his original position in his gun-well and took the enemy forces under fire. Unswerving in his devotion to his fellow man, Sp4c. Wetzel assisted his crew chief even though he lost consciousness once again during this action. Wtzel lost his left arm due to the result of his injuries. Sp4c. Wetzel displayed extraordinary heroism in his efforts to aid his fellow crewmen. His gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Wetzel lives in Milwaukee, WI, is highly admired by his community, and advocates for disabled veterans.

SGT. Allen James Lynch, U.S. ARMY (Ret.)

Medal of Honor Recipient 1970

Alone, he defended his isolated position for two hours against the advancing enemy. Using only his rifle and a grenade, he stopped them just short of his trench, killing five. Again, disregarding his safety in the face of withering hostile fire, he crossed 70 meters of exposed terrain five times to carry his wounded comrades to a more secure area. Once he had assured their comfort and safety, SGT Lynch located the counterattacking friendly company to assist in directing the attack and evacuating the three casualties. His gallantry at the risk of his life is in the highest traditions of the military service. SGT. Lynch has reflected great credit on himself, the 12th Cavalry, and the U.S. Army. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Lynch resides in Gurnee, IL, authored the book Zero to Hero: From Bullied Kid to Warrior, and advocates for Vietnam service members .

Bios and Wetzel 's photo credit: Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Signup For Newsletter Register for National Medal of Honor Day March 25th Free Event

The Pritzker Military Museum & Library hosted live interviews with recipients of America's highest award for valor in action against an enemy - the Medal of Honor. Below are some of the many interviews in our collection. Each interview explores the lives and experiences of these extraordinary individuals. Click here to hear all the testimonials from these Citizen Soldiers who embodied valor, sacrifice, and service.

Valor - Sacrifice - Service

COL Robert L Howard, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient 1971

SSG Salvatore A. Giunta, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient 2010

Capt. William Swenson, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient 2013

SP5 James C. McCloughan, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient 2017

Memorial Day Program May 23rd

Free admission event.