Jake Harold Van Meter, Jr

The database page for Jake Harold Van Meter, Jr

06 Feb 2008 I was already in-country when Jake arrived, we took a liking to each other from the start. He was older than me so he treated me like his younger brother. Jake was one hell of a nice guy to know. During Operation Ia Drang II we were ambushed by the NVA. I had my radio shot off my back and thanks to Jake I am still alive to talk about it. ALL of us in my unit walked through our little piece of Hell together as BROTHERS. In my mind that is the way it should be. Jake was awarded the Silver Star for the action that cost him his life. I know he went down fighting. God bless you, Jake. From a friend and fellow combat veteran, Jack R Stansfield SSG US Army (Ret) jstansfield@cedconroe.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 07 Oct 1967 C Company, 1/5th Cavalry, lost four men during a patrol engagement near Bong Son: SGT Vaun Andrews, San Fernando, CA SGT Jake H. Van Meter, Slatyfork, WV PFC James O. Beasley, Denver, CO PFC Ronald J. Cartwright, Eugene, OR Sergeant Van Meter was given a posthumous promotion to Staff Sergeant and awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. He is buried in Gibson Cemetery, between Stony Fork and Cass, West Virginia. Headquarters 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION (AIRMOBILE) APO San Francisco AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. Jake H. Van Meter US52676100 Staff Sergeant Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Awarded: Silver Star Date action: 7 October 1967 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For gallantry in action: Then-Sergeant Van Meter distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 7 October 1967, while serving as squad leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, during a search and destroy mission near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit came under intense hostile fire, Sergeant Van Meter, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire as he directed his men into covered positions. He again exposed himself to the hostile fire to draw the fire away from his men. Observing several wounded comrades lying in an exposed area, Sergeant Van Meter moved through the open area and pulled the wounded soldiers to safety. While moving the men to a safe position, Sergeant Van Meter was wounded, but continued until he had completed his task. At this time, while delivering a high volume of covering fire for the wounded men, Sergeant Van Meter was mortally wounded. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918.

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 06 Feb 2008
Last updated 08/10/2009