Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born one of seven children (Robert Lee was born in 1917, Fred Oscar was born in 1926, Elery Clarence was born in 1927, Nellie Gay was born in 1929, Burt was born 1931, and Virgil Clyde was born in 1934) in Accoville, West Virginia, to Robert Leander Belcher and Roxie R. Aliff Belcher. He was educated locally in grammar schools and then moved to Oceana District, West Virginia, and then Cyclone, West Virginia. He supported himself by working as a farmhand. Following his education, he was drafted into military service on December 11, 1942. He then joined the United States Army in April of 1943, and he served in World War II. Following the war, he returned home to private life. On February 24, 1945, his father passed away. On July 30, 1949, he married Helen Johnson in Pineville, West Virginia. Continuing with his personal life and military career over the next several years he again wanted to serve his country at the outbreak of the Vietnam War. He was given the rank of Sergeant and served in the United States Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, beginning his tour of duty on October 4, 1966. On November 19, 1966, he was in combat battle at the Plei Djereng Camp in Pleiku Province, the Republic of Vietnam with the enemy when a grenade was thrown in his direction. Sgt. Belcher quickly reacted and threw himself upon the grenade, sacrificing his life to save others around him. He was a true hero and for this most honourable deed, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery and heroic actions during the Vietnam War. He was awarded his medal posthumously for service at Plei Djerang, Republic of Vietnam, on November 19, 1966. His citation reads-Distinguishing himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life. Sgt. Belcher's unit was engaged in a search and destroy mission with Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, the Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon and a special forces company of civilian irregular defense group personnel. As a squad leader of the 2d Platoon of Company C, Sgt. Belcher was leading his men when they encountered a bunker complex. The reconnaissance platoon, located a few hundred meters northwest of Company C, received a heavy volume of fire from well camouflaged snipers. As the 2d Platoon moved forward to assist the unit under attack, Sgt. Belcher and his squad, advancing only a short distance through the dense jungle terrain, met heavy and accurate automatic weapons and sniper fire. Sgt. Belcher and his squad were momentarily stopped by the deadly volume of enemy fire. He quickly gave the order to return fire and resume the advance toward the enemy. As he moved up with his men, a hand grenade landed in the midst of the sergeant's squad. Instantly realizing the immediate danger to his men, Sgt. Belcher, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, lunged forward, covering the grenade with his body. Absorbing the grenade blast at the cost of his life, he saved his comrades from becoming casualties. Sgt. Belcher's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country. Following his death, his body was returned to the United States and was buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in Zanesville, Ohio, with full military honors. His wife who had remarried after his death is buried near him. For his bravery and heroic actions he was also awarded a Purple Heart, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. His name is also inscribed on the wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Panel 12E, Line 86.