Career
Wetzel joined the Army from Roseville, Michigan in July 1941, and by April 3, 1945 was serving as a private first class in the 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division. On that day, in Birken, Germany, Wetzel smothered the blasts of German-thrown grenades with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him. Wetzel is buried in the Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, the Netherlands.
Under cover of darkness the Germans forced their way close to the building where they hurled grenades, 2 of which landed in the room where Shouting a warning to his fellow soldiers, The supreme gallantry of.