A Medal of Honor recipient’s heroism during the Vietnam War was the focus when cadets in the Alabama Wing’s Redstone Composite Squadron convened Oct. 21 for their monthly character development lesson.
U.S. Army Spc. 5th Class Clarence Sasser felt he was just doing his job as a combat medic Jan. 10, 1968, when he pulled himself through a rice paddy during a battle in Ding Tuong Province, South Vietnam, administering medical aid to dozens of his fellow wounded soldiers and saving the lives of many, Lt. Col. Steven Berger — a recently retired Army colonel — told the cadets.
Sasser dragged himself from man to man because numerous injuries left his legs immobilized, said Berger, the squadron’s character development officer. The soldier continued providing aid to the wounded until his supplies were exhausted.
“These are really great kids, and it’s so important to have meaningful conversations about these topics,” Berger said. “The cadets volunteer to spend time with this organization and I’m happy to pass along some of my experiences while serving.
“It’s rewarding because these are the leaders of tomorrow.”
Berger pointed out to the cadets that Sasser, who passed away May 13 at 79, was only 20 —not much older than they are — when he demonstrated his heroism. He also reminded the cadets that Vietnam veterans may not have gotten the recognition they deserved when they returned home.
“When you see someone with a ‘Vietnam Veteran’ hat, remember to thank them for their service,” Berger told his listeners.
Berger, who joined Civil Air Patrol in November 2021 and also serves as squadron leadership officer, is the son of a Vietnam-era veteran himself. His last military post was in support of the Army Space and Missile Defense Command at Redstone Arsenal.
His daughter, Lt. Col. Kristianna Berger, is the Redstone squadron’s cadet commander and hopes to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. She joined CAP in July 2020, seven weeks after turning 12._____1st Lt. Chris ButeraPublic Affairs OfficerRedstone Composite SquadronAlabama Wing
