Laszlo Rabel
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Staff Sergeant Laszlo Rabel (21 September 1937 - 13 November 1968) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Laszlo Rabel was born on 21 September 1937 in Budapest, Hungary. He joined the Army from Minneapolis, MN. On 13 November 1968, Rabel was serving as a Staff Sergeant in the 74th Infantry Detachment (Long Range Patrol), 173rd Airborne Brigade. On that day in the Binh Dinh Province of the Republic of Vietnam, he covered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, protecting his fellow soldiers at the cost of his own life.

Medal of Honor

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Rabel distinguished himself while serving as leader of Team Delta, 74th Infantry Detachment. At 1000 hours on this date, Team Delta was in a defensive perimeter conducting reconnaissance of enemy trail networks when a member of the team detected enemy movement to the front. As S/Sgt. Rabel and a comrade prepared to clear the area, he heard an incoming grenade as it landed in the midst of the team's perimeter. With complete disregard for his life, S/Sgt. Rabel threw himself on the grenade and, covering it with his body, received the complete impact of the immediate explosion. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, S/Sgt. Rabel averted the loss of life and injury to the other members of Team Delta. By his gallantry at the cost of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, S/Sgt. Rabel has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The name Laszlo Rabel is inscribed on Panel 39W - Line 62.

Death and Burial

Staff Sergeant Laszlo Rabel was killed in action on 13 November 1968. He buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, in Section 52, Grave 1326.