Lawrence Joel
Lawrence Joel (February 22, 1928 – February 4, 1984) was a United States Army soldier who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. While serving in South Vietnam as a medic with the rank of specialist five assigned to 1st Battalion of the 503rd Infantry in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Joel received the Silver Star and the Medal of Honor for his heroism in a battle with the Viet Cong that occurred on November 8, 1965. He was the first medic to earn the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War and the first living black American to receive this medal since the Spanish–American War in 1898.
Lawrence Joel | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 22, 1928 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | February 4, 1984 (aged 55) Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1946–1973 |
| Rank | Sergeant first class |
| Unit | 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry 173rd Airborne Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War (WIA)
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| Awards | Medal of Honor Silver Star Purple Heart Presidential Unit Citation |
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