George Alan Ingalls

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class George Alan Ingalls (ASN: 19876896), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 April 1967. Specialist Fourth Class Ingalls, a member of Company A, accompanied his squad on a night ambush mission. Shortly after the ambush was established, an enemy soldier entered the killing zone and was shot when he tried to evade capture. Other enemy soldiers were expected to enter the area, and the ambush was maintained in the same location. Two quiet hours passed without incident, then suddenly a hand grenade was thrown from the nearby dense undergrowth into the center of the squad's position. The grenade did not explode, but shortly thereafter a second grenade landed directly between Specialist Fourth Class Ingalls and a nearby comrade. Although he could have jumped to a safe position, Specialist Fourth Class Ingalls, in a spontaneous act of great courage, threw himself on the grenade and absorbed its full blast. The explosion mortally wounded Specialist Fourth Class Ingalls, but his heroic action saved the lives of the remaining members of his squad. His gallantry and selfless devotion to his comrades are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon Specialist Fourth Class Ingalls, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 11 (February 6, 1969)

Action Date: 16-Apr-67

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist Fourth Class

Company: Company A

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 5th Cavalry Regiment

Division: 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)