Mason in Mason County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Ssgt. Jimmy Goethel Stewart

"Gabby"

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 27, 2026

1. Ssgt. Jimmy Goethel Stewart Marker

Inscription. Medal of Honor Vietnam War Ssgt. Jimmy Goethel Stewart "Gabby" B Company 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division "Yahoe Platoon" US Army Dec. 25, 1942 - May 18, 1966

The President of the United States of America, authorized by act of congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of the congress, the Medal of Honor, posthumously, to Staff Sergeant Jimmy G Stewart, United States Army for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Early in the morning of 18 May 1966, a reinforced North Vietnamese company attacked Company B, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, which was manning a defensive perimeter in Vietnam. The surprise onslaught wounded five members of a six-man squad caught in the direct path of the enemy's thrust. Sergeant Stewart became a lone defender of vital terrain-virtually one man against a hostile platoon. Refusing to take advantage of a lull in the firing which would have permitted him to withdraw, Sergeant Stewart elected to hold his ground to protect his fallen comrades and prevented an enemy penetration of the company perimeter.

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As the full force of the platoon sized main attack struck his lone position, he fought like a man possessed; emptying magazine after magazine at the determined, on-charging enemy. The enemy drove almost to his position and hurled grenades, but Sergeant Stewart decimated them by retrieving and throwing the grenades back. Exhausting his ammunition, he crawled under intense fire to his wounded team members and collected ammunition that they were unable to use. Far past the normal point of exhaustion, he held his position for four harrowing hours and through three assaults, annihilating the enemy as they approached and before they could get a foothold. As a result of his defense, the company position held until the arrival of a reinforcing platoon which counter-attacked the enemy, now occupying foxholes to the left of Sergeant Stewart's position. After the counter-attack, his body was found in a shallow enemy hole where he had advanced in order to add his fire to that of the counter-attacking platoon. Eight enemy dead were found around his immediate position, with evidence that fifteen others had been dragged away. The wounded, whom he

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 27, 2026

2. Ssgt. Jimmy Goethel Stewart Marker

gave his life to protect, were recovered and evacuated. Sergeant Stewart's indomitable courage, in the face of overwhelming odds, stands as a tribute to himself and an inspiration to all men of his unit. His actions were in the highest traditions of the United States Army and the armed forces of his country.

Medal of Honor
The highest U.S. military decoration, awarded by congress to a member of the armed forces for gallantry and bravery in combat, at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

When the soldiers came home from Vietnam, there were no parades, no celebrations.
William C. Westmoreland General, U.S. Army

Semper Paratus
"Always Ready"
B Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) U.S. Army

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list.

Location. 39° 0.74′ N, 82° 2.262′ W. Memorial is in Mason, West Virginia, in Mason County.

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 27, 2026

3. Ssgt. Jimmy Goethel Stewart Marker

It is at the intersection of 2nd Street and West Virginia Route 833, on the right when traveling south on 2nd Street. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 393 2nd St, Mason WV 25260, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in the Mid-Ohio Valley. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Ohio River Valley,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mason County Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); World War II (here, next to this marker); Korean War (here, next to this marker); Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named World War II (here, next to this marker); Mason County Veterans Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients (here, next to this marker); POW-MIA (here,

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 27, 2026

4. Ssgt. Jimmy Goethel Stewart Marker

next to this marker); World War I (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mason.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 1, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.