Author: William Hermann
Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix) - September 29, 2005

Gary Beikirch, 58, who was a Special Forces combat medic, listened to a Camelback High School student read aloud the account of Beikirch's actions aiding the wounded in a Vietnam firefight, then told 60 students in the audience there were some corrections necessary.

He said that he didn't move from one wounded soldier to another with "complete disregard for his own personal safety," as the citation said.

"I ran and ducked and rolled and was very concerned for my safety," Beikirch said. "I did not want to get shot; and when I was shot I didn't like it."

Then he explained that unmentioned in the citation was the fact that a 15-year-old Montagnard tribesman named Dale who was serving with Beikirch's unit was shot three times while helping Beikirch move among the wounded, and how during a rocket attack Dale threw his body over the fallen medic.

"I wear this medal for Dale," Beikirch said. "Dale took a blast from a rocket and died for me."
Beikirch spent a year in a hospital, left the military, married and became a middle school counselor where he helps young people make better lives.

"A 15-year-old taught me what it is to live for someone," Beikirch said.

Clarence Sasser, 58, also spoke to the Camelback students and he, too, downplayed the heroic actions he performed disregarding enemy fire to save the lives of wounded comrades.

"You do it because you have trained, drilled, worked, played and fought together and you've learned that helping others is everything," Sasser said.

Across town at Cortez High School, Rodolfo Hernandez, 74, and Robert Lewis Howard, 66, met with 200 students.

Principal Tom Hernandez reminded the students that, "It is people like this who allow us to live lives without fear, to live in freedom."

Later, student Marina Wolinski, 16, of Glendale said, "This is like nothing you could get from a textbook. It was a very emotional experience to hear those stories."

Rodolfo Hernandez was unable to tell his own story. He was so gravely wounded in 1951 in Korea while charging enemy soldiers who were overrunning his unit's position that he was disabled and speaks only with great difficulty.

Rodolfo Hernandez's wife, Denzil, however, was able to tell her husband's story and talk to the students about their obligation to live responsible, upright lives, "to serve your fellow human beings without thought of the cost," and, "to help make your country a better place."

Howard, too, had a message of duty and commitment.

He spoke about his own family, how proud he is of his son and three daughters, and what his hopes are for them and for all young people. He asked the students how many will graduate this year and a few score hands went up.

Howard pointed out to the crowd.

"The torch of freedom is being passed to you!" the onetime sergeant said in a voice so strong, stirring and filled with emotion that the students jolted upright in their chairs. "The men who died all around me in battle command you to take that torch and carry it high!"

It was only after repeated questions that Howard would talk about the actions in Vietnam that made him a Medal of Honor recipient.

It was a tale so harrowing, so filled with death and heroism that the students sometimes gasped as the old sergeant told his story.

Student Danny Willison, 17, of Phoenix walked away from the encounter with Hernandez and Howard in thoughtful silence.

"I am very, very impressed," Willison said. "I've been thinking of the service, of helping my country out during this time. Now I've got a lot more to think about."