James David Stuessel, age 20, from La Puente, California, Los Angeles county.
Service era: Vietnam
Military history: 35th Infantry Regiment
Date of death: Wednesday, January 22, 1969
Death details: Bronze Star citation: For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Stuessel distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader with A, 1/35th Infantry. On 21 January 1969, Company A was heavily engaged with an undetermined size force of NVA regulars in dense jungles near Chu Pa Mountain. The NVA were supported by rockets, mortars, and small arms fire. During the initial contact, the point element became separated from the remainder of the company and suffered several casualties and, due to the heavy enemy fire, was unable to move. Immediately, Staff Sergeant Stuessel, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved through the intense enemy fire to better position himself to place the most effective fire upon the enemy positions. Due to his very accurate fire the point element was able to recover their wounded and returned safely to the perimeter. As Staff Sergeant Stuessel was moving back to the perimeter he was mortally wounded by an enemy grenade. Staff Sergeant Stuessel’s courageous acts, determination, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with they highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Source: National Archives, 35th Infantry Regiment Association
