Bio: Benzschawel, Reinold L. (Bronze Star Medal – 1967)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Benzschawel

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 08 Jun 1967

Signalman Second Class Reinold L. Benzschawel, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Benzschawel of Thorp (Clark Co.), Wis. has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" while serving at Coronado, Calif.

He is a member of Ecu Air and Land Sea Team One.

Benzschawel's medal was awarded for meritorious actions while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the enemy forces in Vietnam.

He participated directly in 30 combat operations which resulted in the destruction and capture of large quantities of enemy weapons, supplies and documents. In many of these actions he was subject to enemy fire.

In one instance, Petty Officer Benzschawel, while manning a 57 MM recoilless rifle on an armed landing craft which was under heavy attack, stayed at his exposed post after being wounded.

His exceptional initiative, courage under fire and outstanding performance of duty contributed greatly to the counter-insurgency effort within the Rung Sat Special Zone, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Before entering the service in Feb. 1960, Reinold attended Thorp High School, Thorp, Wis.