Canton Veteran Received Silver Star for Heroism

Active Service: July/1969 to February/1971

Overseas Service: November/1969 to January/1971

Campaigns: Vietnam Winter-Spring 1969-1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive 1970; Vietnam Counteroffensive, Phase VII, 1970-1971

Branch: US Army Engineers

Rank: Specialist E5

Assignments: Company B, 815th Engineer Battalion; 18th Engineer Brigade 

Duties: Driver/Mechanic, Minesweeper; Convoy Escort/Driver

This Vet Story is told by US Army Engineer Command on the occasion of awarding George Holewik the Silver Star for extraordinary heroism.

Specialist George J. Holewik distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 October 1970, while serving as assistant convoy commander on Highway QL 20, between Bao Loc and Di Linh, Lam-Dong Province, Republic of Vietnam.

When a Viet Cong force ambushed the two-vehicle convoy, fatally wounding the convoy commander, Specialist Holewik immediately assumed command and accurately analyzed the situation.

The Viet Cong had fired three B-40 rockets on the other vehicle in the convoy, disabling it and wounding its occupants.

He urged his men to return suppressive fire and fired at the enemy himself, thus forcing them to break contact.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Holewik left the established base of fire position, thus exposing himself to hostile fire and ran to the flaming truck to recover the seriously wounded.

While continuing to return suppressive fire with his M-16 rifle, he searched the burning wreckage for survivors. Upon finding one seriously wounded, he carried him from the burning wreckage to his own vehicle while urging the other two wounded men toward his vehicle.

He returned to the wreckage and recovered the fatally wounded convoy commander.

Through his courage and outstanding leadership, a minimum number of casualties were sustained from the ambush. By remaining calm and taking charge of the situation, he served as a rallying point and example for the others.

His immediate and correct reactions were directly responsible in the saving of the life of one soldier. Specialist Holewik’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United State Army.

Here’s the Deal:

For his service in Vietnam, George Holewik received the following commendations: Silver Star; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with bronze stars; Vietnam Gallantry Cross; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation; Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation; Vietnam Civil Actions Ribbon.

The experiences shared in Vet Stories are generously provided by Bill Newman, Past Post Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Avon Post 3272.