Looking for a Vietnam veteran my father helped save, or anyone who remembers the rescue

My name is Jennifer, and I’m hoping to connect with veterans who served with my father, Gregory Earl Etzel, in Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, the Black Lions, during Vietnam.

On June 19, 1968, my dad was serving as a Specialist Four and rifleman during a reconnaissance-in-force operation 10 kilometers east of Lai Khe. According to his award citation, the lead element encountered a concealed Viet Cong force using small arms, automatic weapons, and claymore mines.

During the fighting, the point man was wounded while attempting to change positions. My father moved through enemy fire to help him and remained exposed, providing suppressive fire to cover the wounded soldier’s evacuation. He sought cover only after the soldier had been safely removed. The citation credits his actions with helping save the man’s life.

My dad received the Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for this action. The award was issued under General Orders Number 10223, dated September 25, 1968, Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division. I have a copy of the citation.

We are trying to identify the wounded soldier. These additional clues come from family recollections and still need confirmation:

His name may have been Deiter or Dieter, possibly a first name, surname, or nickname. He was a white male, approximately 20–22 years old at the time. He may have been from Pennsylvania. 11B40 appears in our notes, although we are unsure whom it refers to.

My understanding is that he survived and is still alive, but we have not confirmed his identity or current whereabouts.

Did you serve with C Company, 2/28 Infantry in June 1968, or do you recognize this incident? Even a small detail, a name, a photograph, or a connection to someone from the unit could help.

If you know the soldier or his family, please forward this post so they can decide whether to reach out. You can send me a private message with any information.

It would mean so much to our family to learn more about the man my father helped save. Thank you for reading, sharing, and helping keep these veterans’ stories alive.