Walter J. Wetzel (1944-1966), a native of Queens, attended Our Lady of Grace School, Far Rockaway High School, and St. John's Preparatory School. He joined the US Army in 1965 and began a tour in Vietnam on May 8, 1966. While on reconnaissance, his group was ambushed by two active enemy machine guns. Pfc Wetzel destroyed one with his first grenade. Though wounded, he threw a second grenade, destroying the other machine gun and saving many lives. He died on May 29, 1966, and was awarded the Bronze Star with V for valor.