Gary Louis Opela

Sergeant Gary Louis Opela, U.S. Army, was born in Prague, OK, on 27 November 1949. Immediately after graduating from Prague High School in June 1969, he enlisted in the Army. During basic and advanced Infantry training at Fort Polk, LA, he displayed a high level of leadership potential and was selected to attend the 22-week NCO Academy at Fort Benning, GA. He was promoted to Sergeant upon graduation.

SGT Opela was assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division and deployed to Vietnam from June 1970 – April 1971. Opela’s first combat action was on the night of 24 July 1970 when a large enemy force attempted to overrun the Landing Zone where his company was defending two artillery batteries. As his citation reads, “SGT Opela alerted his unit and initiated suppressive fires on the enemy. While exposing himself to great danger, SGT Opela directed both air and artillery strikes on the enemy and coordinated quick evacuation of friendly casualties.” For his gallantry, Opela was awarded the Silver Star medal.

In December 1970 Opela’s unit returned to the US. In April 1971 he was transferred to B Co/2d/501st of the 101st Airborne located near Hue at Phu Bai. His second Silver Star was awarded for an action in April 1971 when Opela had volunteered to walk “point” during a company patrol through high sand dunes when he encountered four enemy soldiers who were attempting an ambush. Without hesitation, Opela surprised them with his individual assault. None of them survived.

SGT Opela’s other awards include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge. After discharge in May 1971, Opela returned to Prague, becoming a prominent citizen and volunteering with the Kolache Festival Board for over 10 years.