On February 19, 1968, Sfc. Fred W. Zabitosky was part of a 9-man SOG recon patrol deep behind enemy lines. in the course of the mission, they were attacked by a numerically superior NVA unit. Sfc. Zabitosky rallied his team members, deployed them into defensive positions. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sfc. Zabitosky ordered his patrol to move to an LZ for helicopter extraction while he covered their withdrawal with rifle fire and grenades. Rejoining the patrol under increasing enemy pressure, he positioned each man in a tight perimeter defense and continually moved from man to man, encouraging them and controlling their defensive fire. Mainly due to his example, the outnumbered patrol maintained its precarious position until the arrival of tactical air support and a helicopter extraction team. After boarding 1 of the rescue helicopters, he positioned himself in the door delivering fire on the enemy as the ship took off. The helicopter was engulfed in a hail of bullets and Sfc. Zabitosky was thrown from the craft as it spun out of control and crashed. Recovering consciousness, he ignored his extremely painful injuries and moved to the flaming wreckage. Heedless of the danger of exploding ordnance and fuel, he pulled the severely wounded pilot from the searing blaze and made repeated attempts to rescue his patrol members but was driven back by the intense heat. Despite his serious burns and crushed ribs, he carried and dragged the unconscious pilot through a curtain of enemy fire to within 10 feet of a hovering rescue helicopter before collapsing.
Sfc. Zabitosky survived his wounds and received the Medal of Honor for his actions. He retired from the Army after 30 years of service with the rank of Master Sergeant; passing away in 1996 at the age of 53. "There is no such thing as patriotism in a combat situation. you don’t think about medals, promotions or even the flag. you don’t think about why you are there or even your family. you think strictly about the people you are with, and what you can do for each other.” – Fred Zabitosky #zerofucks #nofucks #stayzero #hero #hardcore