Belcher, Ted

...CITATION...

Distinguishing himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life.
Sgt. Belcher's unit was engaged in a search and destroy mission with Company B,
1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, the Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon and a special
forces company of civilian irregular defense group personnel.  As a squad leader of
the 2d Platoon of Company C,  Sgt. Belcher was leading his men when they encountered
a bunker complex.  The reconnaissance platoon, located a few hundred meters northwest
of Company C, received a heavy volume of fire from well camouflaged snipers.  As the
2d Platoon moved forward to assist the unit under attack, Sgt. Belcher and his squad,
advancing only a short distance through the dense jungle terrain, met heavy and accurate
automatic weapons and sniper fire. Sgt. Belcher and his squad were momentarily stopped
by the deadly volume of enemy fire. He quickly gave the order to return fire and resume
the advance toward the enemy.  As he moved up with his men, a hand grenade landed
in the midst of the sergeant's squad. Instantly realizing the immediate danger to his men,
Sgt. Belcher, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, lunged forward,
covering the grenade with his body. Absorbing the grenade blast at the cost of his life,
he saved his comrades from becoming casualties.  Sgt. Belcher's profound concern
for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty,
is in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect credit upon
himself and the Armed Forces of his country.