Napolitano Introduces Bill to Honor Hacienda Heights Veteran

(Washington D.C.)- Today Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D-Norwalk), introduced H.R. 974, a bill that will authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor to Joseph T. Getherall, of Hacienda Heights, California, for acts of valor while serving in the Marine Corps in the Republic of Vietnam on December 22, 1966.

“Sergeant Getherall and his family are my constituents.  When they first made me aware of this case, I was eager to help in any way I could,” commented Napolitano.

Joe Getherall was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps who served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was seriously wounded three times during his second tour.  He served as a Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Third Marine Division during “Operation Chinook.” 

In the early morning hours of December 22, 1966, Company M came under intense small arms and mortar fire from the 802nd Viet Cong Battalion.  While moving from one position to another, he was seriously wounded in both legs and arms by an exploding mortar round.  However, despite his painful injuries, he steadfastly refused medical evacuation and continued to direct his unit. 

During an enemy assault, a Marine went down in the open.   Sergeant Getherall realized the gravity of the situation and fearlessly moved across the hazardous open terrain under intense enemy fire and dragged the Marine to cover.  During another assault, Sergeant Getherall, with complete disregard for his own life, and under heavy enemy fire, picked up a Viet Cong grenade that had landed near other Marines, and threw it back at the enemy where it exploded a few meters away, wounding Sergeant Getherall for a second time in one of his legs. 

His prompt and courageous actions in the face of almost certain death ultimately saved several of his squad members from death or serious injury. 

“By his outstanding leadership, resolute determination and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Sergeant Getherall upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.  He is a great man who performed an amazing feat to defend his country and his squadron, and very much deserves the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions performed over 40 years ago,” concluded Napolitano.

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