Monmouth County War Hero Receives Medal 50 Years Later

FREEHOLD, NJ – Bart ‘Doc’ Fabian, a longtime Monmouth County resident and former medic in the Vietnam War, was told in 1969 that he would be recommended for a Silver Star for his demonstration of bravery, in which he saved 10 American soldiers and stopped two enemy soldiers in an attempt to kill wounded generals during a battle that year.

Half a century later, Fabian, 71, finally received his honor at a July 18 ceremony at the office of Congressman Chris Smith in Freehold.

The Silver Star is awarded to a highly regarded member of the U.S. Army noted for gallantry in action involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, with the individual demonstrating valiant efforts with marked distinction. But while the Silver Star is an undoubtedly impressive feat, the award is not the first for the skilled medic. Fabian was previously awarded two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and an Army Commendation Medal (ACM) with Valor. He received his first Silver Star for his bravery during an ambush by the North Vietnamese on January 11, 1969.

Fabian recounted that, while he waited years for the expected honor, it never came. It was only until a 2018 reunion with fellow veterans that the Monmouth County resident decided to seek out the honor once again.

"I decided to forget about it,” Fabian said. “I didn’t want to promote myself. It was a bad day. The next day we were right back in it.”

A family member assisted Fabian’s pursuit, eventually seeking the help of the New Jersey congressman. Smith, who represents New Jersey’s fourth congressional district, spent over two years working with the United States Army in coordinating the honor.

“Bart ‘Doc’ Fabian is a hero for all ages, earning the Silver Star not once, but twice. He routinely went above and beyond the call, protecting injured soldiers who were under attack,” Smith said. “Mr. Fabian’s actions on April 13, 1969, which account for the second Silver Star, are truly courageous, heroic and the mark of a natural leader.”

In the years that it took to submit approval for the honor, Smith coordinated statements from several eyewitnesses. The awards board unanimously granted Fabian approval, with some even making handwritten remarks of the veteran’s valiant efforts.

“He treated more than 10 wounded soldiers and recovered them and their KIA buddies. He voluntarily performed these heroic and life-saving actions while 19 fellow U.S. soldiers were killed in the same action,” wrote Brig. Gen John W. Nicholson (RET). “His bravery was fearless, determined and voluntary, despite desperate odds… I highly recommend approval of this award.”

According to Smith, several of the general officers who approved Fabian’s request for the medal believe that the former medic should be entitled to an even more prestigious honor. In fact, two officers who reviewed Fabian’s medal suggested the veteran may be eligible for the Distinguished Service Cross. The Cross is the second highest military award, reserved for demonstrations of extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an enemy force.

“How does a man under gunfire find that kind of grit to do something absolutely astonishing? We are talking about a man who put his own life at risk—repeatedly—to defend injured soldiers who were being targeted by the enemy,” Smith said. “In an era when people admire fictional superheroes and Hollywood stars portraying heroes, Doc Fabian is a genuine uncontested hero.”

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