Honor Vietnam Hero Posthumously
A saga of heroism in the finest tradition of the Green Berets was unfolded this week as Specialist 4 John C Wells was awarded the silver star, America’s third highest medal, three bronze stars and a purple heart posthumously.
Wells, 19, in his third tour of duty in South Vietnam, was fatally wounded in action at Khe Sanh on March 11 and died 10 days after in a Vietnam hospital.
The former Fordson High School student is the fifth Dearborn serviceman to be awarded the Silver Star posthumously for gallantry in the Far East war. He was Dearborn’s 33rd casualty. Nine have died since.
The youth’s mother, Mrs. Frank Haverty of 7017 Middlepoint, accepted the medals in his behalf Tuesday during ceremonies conducted at the US Army Tank-Automotive Command in Warren. Major Gen. Shelton E Lollis, commanding officer officiated.
“Your son certainly is to be commended.” Said Gen. Lollis to the tearful mother. “The fact that he was in his third tour of duty is indicative of his feeling of duty to his country, and the fact that he is being awarded the Silver Star is indicative of the gallantry with which he carried out his duty.”
“But especially significant to me is the fact that your son is being awarded three Bronze Stars. This is the first time that I ever recall a soldier being awarded three of the distinguished medals at one time.”
Wells was awarded the Silver Star for his courage at the time he received his fatal wounds on March 11 in Khe Sanh. In part, the citation reads:
“When the area was brought under siege by numerous North Vietnamese Army units, volunteers were asked to man the outpost, and Specialist Wells courageously requested duty there. After his arrival he repeatedly volunteered for security and reconnaissance patrols, and, each time, was placed in command, he demonstrated fearless and professional leadership.
“Details were extremely hazardous because of continuous incoming enemy rocket and mortar rounds. While performing one of these dangerous assignments, Specialist Wells was struck and mortally wounded by fragments of an exploding rocket.”
Wells earned the Bronze Star for distinguished service at the Khe Sanh combat Base from Feb. 21 to March 11.
He is credited with helping to evacuate over 1,400 refugees through his efforts to construct new fighting positions and bunkers while exposed to heavy mortar and artillery fire.
Heroic Actions during the same period of time won the second and third Bronze Stars (actually oakleaf clusters) for Wells.
“Specialist Wells continuously exposed himself too … hostile fire to rally, position and encourage the indigenous troops against an anticipated enemy ground attack,” the citation reads.
“One of the many notable and heroic achievements performed by Specialist Wells was that he volunteered to pinpoint enemy artillery and recoilless rifle by standing above the trench lines in an effort to listen to the explosives of the enemy round . . . His efforts in this cause was instrumental in the destruction of many of the enemy weapons and personnel.”
In addition to his mother, Wells is survived by his father Claude Wells, of Wayne; a brother, David; two stepbrothers, Gregory M. Haverty at home, and Gary F Haverty of Chicago; and three step-sisters, Karen L. Haverty, at home, Mrs. Judith Antishin, of Westland, and Mrs. Patricia Borlase, of Warren.
Photo Caption:
ACCEPTING MEDAL _ Mrs. Frank Haverty, of 70017 Middlepointe, Dearborn, accepts the Silver Star and four other medals, awarded posthumously to her son, Green Berets Spec. 4 John C. Wells, from Major Gen. Shelton E. Lollis, commanding officer of the U.S. Army Automotive-Tank Command in Warren. At left is William D. Barnwell, city veterans bureau director and one of four city officials attending the ceremony on behalf of Mayor Orville L. Hubbard.
Enumerated from an undated newspaper article. See photo below.
