Veteran Mural
“The military is made up of ordinary men doing extraordinary things.”
Inspired by storytelling sessions with local veterans, members of the American Legion Post 27, and South Milwaukee resident and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Gary Wetzel, this mural was designed and painted by John Kowalczyk and Fred Kaems on the West wall at 920 Monroe Avenue in Downtown South Milwaukee. It was completed and dedicated to our local service members on November 11, 2025.
American Legion Post 27 | 920 Monroe Avenue
Named after World War I veteran Everhart Van Eimeren and World War II veteran Edmund Kolonka, the post was chartered in 1919 by returning World War I veterans, making it one of the earliest posts in the nation. In the century that followed, it offered men and women in uniform, their spouses and family the opportunity to become involved with programs that help our youth, perform patriotic community service, and assist fellow veterans.
“Don’t look at the flag. Look into the flag.”
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient | Gary Wetzel
The mural also honors the story of Gary Wetzel, a South Milwaukee resident and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. His heroic actions saved the lives of his fellow crewmen in the Vietman War.
In referance to Gary, Legion Post Historian Tom Ludka said “The military is made up of ordinary men doing extraordinary things” and that statement really resonated with us as we spoke with Gary face to face about his life. Although he remained humble about receiving the honor, it was a very moving experience for our Art Works mural team.
Gary received the Medal of Honor when he was just 21 years old. He was an enlisted member of the Army Aviation, a door gunner, a “Robin Hood”, he vividly recalled. During his deployment to Vietnam, he was shot down in a “Huey” five different times.
Since serving, he has been an active member of the Oak Creek Legion Post, and is former commander of the Sons of the Legion. Before retiring, he was a member of the Iron Workers Local 8. Some of his most memorable career accomplishments include his time working on the Alaskan pipeline and the “Miller Park” Brewers stadium.
Some of the stories he told were about his personal life. Like how his parents met while serving in WW2 – they were pen pals. Or, that he had 2 children and loves to garden, especially roses. He enjoys taking courses in creative writing and considers himself a writer. He even published his own book, Jake the Forgotton Warrior. And, he has been written about in a few novels – including American Heros, a James Patterson.
Gary has met several United States presidents, including being sung “happy birthday” to by a president (AND, Bob Hope) at the White House. He once led a pack of ONE MILLON motorcycles in Washington DC and he always signs his autograph with a smiley face. In fact, his smiley face insignia made it onto his official challange coin.
Gary has given countless speeches and has been a special guest at many different veteran events including everything from speaking for the annual meeting at the Medal of Honor Museum in Chattanooga to local school assemblies. No matter who he is speaking to he always says “Don’t look at the flag. Look into the flag”
Thank you to Gary Wetzel for sharing his story with us and for his service, and sacrifice.
For more information about Gary Wetzel’s Congressional Medal of Honor, see the excerpt below.
Gary Wetzel’s story from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website:
Sp4c. Wetzel, 173d Assault Helicopter Company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Wetzel was serving as door gunner aboard a helicopter which was part of an insertion force trapped in a landing zone by intense and deadly hostile fire. Sp4c. Wetzel was going to the aid of his aircraft commander when he was blown into a rice paddy and critically wounded by two enemy rockets that exploded just inches from his location. Although bleeding profusely due to the loss of his left arm and severe wounds in his right arm, chest, and left leg, Sp4c. Wetzel staggered back to his original position in his gun-well and took the enemy forces under fire. His machine gun was the only weapon placing effective fire on the enemy at that time. Through a resolve that overcame the shock and intolerable pain of his injuries, Sp4c. Wetzel remained at his position until he had eliminated the automatic-weapons emplacement that had been inflicting heavy casualties on the American troops and preventing them from moving against this strong enemy force. Refusing to attend to his own extensive wounds, he attempted to return to the aid of his aircraft commander but passed out from loss of blood. Regaining consciousness, he persisted in his efforts to drag himself to the aid of his fellow crewman. After an agonizing effort, he came to the side of the crew chief who was attempting to drag the wounded aircraft commander to the safety of a nearby dike. Unswerving in his devotion to his fellow man, Sp4c. Wetzel assisted his crew chief even though he lost consciousness once again during this action. Sp4c. Wetzel displayed extraordinary heroism in his efforts to aid his fellow crewmen. His gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.