Career
Rabel fled Hungary following the 1956 revolution, and later immigrated to the United States. He joined the United States Army from Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1965, and by November 13, 1968 was serving as a Staff Sergeant in the 74th Infantry Detachment (Long Range Patrol), 173rd Airborne Brigade. On that day, in Binh Dinh Province of the Republic of Vietnam, he smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, protecting his fellow soldiers at the expense of his own life.
Rabel, aged 31 at his death, was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington County, Virginia.
As With complete disregard for his life, By his gallantry at the cost of his life in the highest traditions of the military service.