The Vietnam War saw numerous United States military units deployed across diverse terrains, each playing a crucial role in the conflict. Among these, the 9th Infantry Division was notably active in the Mekong Delta region. Within this division served individuals whose courage and dedication exemplified the spirit of service amidst intense combat. One such individual was Private First Class Clarence Eugene Sasser, a medic whose actions during a reconnaissance operation underscore the bravery found within the units serving in Vietnam.
Prior to his service, Clarence Eugene Sasser was pursuing a chemistry major at the University of Houston. Facing financial constraints, he transitioned to part-time studies to increase his work hours, which inadvertently made him eligible for the draft. At the young age of 19, Sasser was trained by the Army as a medic. By January 1968, he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, part of the 9th Infantry Division—a unit heavily involved in operations within Vietnam.
During an air assault reconnaissance mission in the Mekong Delta, Sasser’s unit encountered intense fire from a well-entrenched enemy. The attack was swift and devastating; within just half an hour, thirty soldiers were casualties. Recounting the harrowing experience, Sasser described, “We go in, and the helicopter started taking fire. One of the helicopters got hit, and went down. Fire was all around us, with the helicopter down, there wasn’t any choice, we had to go in.” Disregarding the overwhelming danger, Sasser immediately moved into action. He braved a barrage of enemy fire, crossing an exposed rice paddy to reach and aid the wounded.
Sasser recalled the perilous conditions and the grim reality of survival in the field: “I learned early on the best way to get around that day was to simply grab the rice and slide yourself along, you can move better like that, and if you stand up you’re dead, especially if they see your bag, they know you’re a medic and if they killed a medic, probably a lot of people would die. That was the rationale.” Despite sustaining wounds himself during the relentless attack, Sasser tirelessly scoured the rice paddy for hours, pulling fellow soldiers to safety and administering crucial medical aid.
After enduring a night of intense conflict, Sasser and the remaining members of his unit were evacuated in the early hours of the morning. For his extraordinary valor and selflessness, Clarence Eugene Sasser was awarded the Medal of Honor. Reflecting on this recognition, Sasser viewed it as an affirmation of his duty fulfilled. With humility, he stated, “I don’t think what I did was above and beyond. I never have. And I haven’t made a point of it, but being one of two Black guys (who were awarded the Medal of Honor) who are alive now, I think it means a lot to the country that I am who I am.” His story stands as a testament to the courage and dedication displayed by the units that served in Vietnam and the individual sacrifices made within them.
