* FERNANDEZ, DANIEL *
Rank and Organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry ( Mechanized ) 25th Infantry Division.
Place and Date: Cu Chi, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, 18 February 1966.
Entered Service At: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Born: 30 June 1944, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. SP4 Fernandez demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company and driven back by the intense enemy automatic weapons fire before it could evacuate an American soldier who had been wounded in the Viet Cong attack. SP4 Fernandez, a sergeant and two other volunteers immediately fought their way through devastating fire and exploding grenades to reach the fallen soldier. Upon reaching fallen comrade, the sergeant was struck in the knee by machine gun fire and immobilized. SP4 Fernandez took charge , rallied the left flank of his patrol and began to assist in the recovery of the wounded sergeant. While first aid was being administered to the wounded man, a sudden increase in the accuracy and intensity of enemy fire forced the volunteer group to take cover. As they did, an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group, although some men did not see it. Realizing there was no time for the wounded sergeant or the other men to protect themselves from the grenade blast, SP4 Fernandez vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of four of his comrades at the sacrifice of his life. SP4 Fernandez' profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
RAY, RONALD ERIC
Rank and Organization: Captain ( then 1st Lt. ) , U.S. Army, Company A 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: la Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam 19 June 1966
Entered Service At: Atlanta, Ga.
Born: 7 December 1941, Cordelle, Ga.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Ray distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader with Company A. When one of his ambushed patrols was attacked by an estimated reinforced Viet Cong company, Capt. Ray organized a reaction force and quickly moved through two kilometers of mountainous jungle terrain to the contact area. After breaking through the hostile lines to reach the beleaguered patrol, Capt. ray began directing the reinforcement of the site. When an enemy position pinned down three of his men with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire, he silenced the emplacement with a grenade and killed four Viet Cong with his rifle fire. As medics were moving a casualty toward a sheltered position, they began receiving intense hostile fire. While directing suppressive fire on the enemy position, Capt. Ray close enough to silence the enemy with a grenade. A few moments later, Capt. Ray saw an enemy grenade land, unnoticed, near two of his men. Without hesitation or regard for his safety, he dove between the grenade and the men, thus shielding them from the explosion, while receiving wounds in his exposed feet and legs. He immediately sustained additional wounds in his legs from an enemy machine gun, but nevertheless silenced the emplacement with another grenade. Although suffering great pain from his wounds, Capt. Ray continued to direct his men, providing the outstanding courage and leadership they vitally needed, and prevented their annihilation by successfully leading them from their surrounded position. Only after assuring that his platoon was no longer in immediate danger did he allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. By his gallantry at the risk of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, Capt. Ray has reflected great credit on himself, his unit and the U.S. Army.
BAKER, JOHN F. , JR.
Rank and Organization: Sergeant ( then Pfc ) , U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Republic of Vietnam, 5 November 1966
Entered Service At: Moline Ill.
Born: 30 October 1945, Davenport, Iowa
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. En route to assist another unit that was engaged with the enemy, Company A came under intense enemy fire and the lead man was killed instantly. Sgt. Baker immediately moved to the head of the column and together with another soldier knocked out two enemy bunkers. When his comrade was mortally wounded, Sgt. Baker spotting four Viet Cong snipers, killed all of them, evacuated the fallen soldier and returned to lead repeated assaults against the enemy positions, killing several more Viet Cong. Moving to attack 2 additional enemy bunkers, he and another soldier drew intense enemy fire and Sgt. Baker was blown from his feet by an enemy grenade. He quickly recovered and single-handedly destroyed one bunker before the other soldier was wounded. Seizing his fallen comrade's machine gun, Sgt. Baker charged through the deadly fusillade to silence the other bunker. He evacuated his comrade, replenished his ammunition and returned to the forefront to brave the enemy fire and continue to fight. When the forward element was ordered to withdraw, he carried one wounded man to the rear. As he returned to evacuate another soldier, he was taken under fire by snipers, but raced beyond the friendly troops to attack and kill the snipers. After evacuating the wounded man, he returned to cover the deployment of the unit. His ammunition now exhausted, he dragged two more of his fallen comrades to the rear. Sgt. Baker's selfless heroism, indomitable fighting spirit, and extraordinary gallantry were directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades, and inflicting serious damage on the enemy. His acts 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.
FOLEY, ROBERT F.
Rank and Organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Near Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, 5 November 1966
Entered Service At: Newton, Mass.
Born: 30 May 1941, Newton, Mass.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Foley's company was ordered to extricate another company of the battalion. Moving through the dense jungle to aid the besieged unit, Company A encountered a strong enemy force occupying well - concealed defensive positions, and the companies leading element quickly sustained several casualties. Capt. Foley immediately ran forward to the scene of the most intense action to direct the company's efforts. Deploying one platoon on the flank, he led the other two platoons in an attack on the enemy in the face of intense fire. During this action both radio operators accompanying him were wounded. At grave risk to himself he defied the enemy's murderous fire, and helped the wounded operators to a position where they could receive medical care. As he moved forward again, one of his machine gun crews was wounded. Seizing the weapon, he charged forward firing the machine gun, shouting orders and rallying his men, thus maintaining the momentum of the attack. Under increasingly heavy enemy fire he ordered his assistant to take cover and, alone, Capt. Foley continued to advance, firing the machine gun until the wounded had been evacuated and the attack in this area could be resumed. When movement on the other flank was halted by the enemy 's fanatical defense, Capt. Foley moved to personally direct this critical phase of the battle. Leading the renewed effort, he was blown off his feet and wounded by an enemy grenade. Despite his painful wounds, he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and single - handedly, destroyed three such positions. His outstanding personal leadership under intense enemy fire during the fierce battle which lasted for several hours, inspired his men to heroic efforts and was instrumental in the ultimate success of the operation. Capt. Foley's magnificent courage, selfless concern for his men and professional skill reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
* GRANT , JOSEPH XAVIER *
Rank and Organization: Captain ( then 1st Lt. ), U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry DivisionRank and Organization: Captain ( then 1st Lt. ) , U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Republic of Vietnam, 13 November 1966
Entered Service At: Boston, Mass.
Born: 28 March 1940, Cambridge, Mass.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Company A was participating in a search and destroy operation when the leading platoon made contact with the enemy and a fierce firelight ensued. Capt. Grant was ordered to disengage the two remaining platoons and to maneuver them to envelop and destroy the enemy. After beginning their movement, the platoons encountered intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire from the front and flank. Capt. Grant was ordered to deploy the platoons in a defensive position. As this action was underway, the enemy attacked using "human wave" assaults, in an attempt to overwhelm Capt. Grant's force. In a magnificent display of courage and leadership, Capt. Grant moved under intense fire along the hastily formed defensive line repositioning soldiers to fill gaps created by the mounting casualties , and inspiring and directing the efforts of his men to successfully repel the determined enemy onslaught. Seeing a platoon leader wounded, Capt. Grant hastened to his aid, in the face of the mass of fire of the entire enemy force, and moved him to a more secure position. During this action, Capt. Grant was wounded in the shoulder. Refusing medical treatment he returned to the forward part of the perimeter, where he continued to lead and to inspire his men by his own indomitable example. While attempting to evacuate a wounded soldier, he was pinned down by fire from an enemy machine gun. With a supply of hand grenades, he crawled forward under a withering hail of fire and knocked out the machine gun, killing the crew, after which he moved the wounded man to safety. Learning that several other wounded men were pinned down by enemy fire forward of his position, Capt. Grant disregarded his painful wound and led five men across the fire- swept open ground to effect a rescue. Following return of the wounded men to the perimeter, a concentration of mortar fire landed in their midst and Capt. Grant was killed instantly. His heroic actions saved the lives of a number of his comrades and enabled the task force to repulse the vicious assaults and defeat the enemy. Capt. Grant's actions reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Army.
* BELCHER, TED *
Rank and Organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Plei Djerang, Republic of Vietnam, 19 November 1966
Entered Service: Huntington. W. Va.
Born: 21 July 1924, Accoville.W. Va.
Citation:
For 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, 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.
* YABES, MAXIMO *
Rank and Organization: 1st Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 4th Battalion 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry DivisionRank and O
Place and Date: Phu Hoa Dong, Republic of Vietnam, 26 February 1967
Entered Service At: Eugene, Oreg
Born: 29 January 1932, Lodi, Cali.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Sgt. Yabes distinguished himself with Company A, which was providing security for a land clearing operation. Early in the morning, the company suddenly came under intense automatic weapons and mortar fire followed by a battalion sized assault from three sides. Penetrating the defensive perimeter, the enemy advanced on the company command post bunker. The command post received increasingly heavy fire and was in danger of becoming overwhelmed. When several enemy grenades landed within the command post, 1st Sgt. Yabes shouted a warning and used his body as a shield to protect others in the bunker. Although painfully wounded by numerous grenade fragments, and despite the vicious enemy fire on the bunker, he remained there to provide covering fire and enable the others in the group to relocate. When the command group had reached a new position, 1st Sgt. Yabes moved through a withering hail of enemy fire to another bunker 50 meters away. There he secured a grenade launcher from a fallen comrade and fired point blank into the attacking Viet Cong, stopping further penetration of the perimeter. Noting two wounded men helping in the fire swept area, he moved them to a safer position where they could be given medical treatment. He resumed his accurate and effective fire, killing several enemy soldiers and forcing others to withdraw from the vicinity of the command post. As the battle continued, he observed an enemy machine gun within the perimeter, which threatened the while position. On his own, he dashed across the exposed area, assaulted the machine gun, killed the crew destroyed the weapon, and fell mortally wounded. 1st Sgt. Yabes' valiant and selfless actions saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers and inspired his comrades to effectively repel the enemy assault. His indomitable fighting spirit, extraordinary courage and intrepidity at the cost of his life are in the highest military traditions and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
* KAROPCZYC, STEPHEN EDWARD *
Rank and Organization: 1st Lt. U.S Army, Company A, 2d Battalion 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 12 March 1967
Entered Service At: Bethpage, NY
Born: 5 March 1944, New York, NY
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While leading the 3d Platoon, Company A, on a flanking maneuver against a superior enemy force, 1st Lt. Karopczyc observed that his lead element was engaged with a small enemy unit along his route. Aware of the importance of quickly pushing through to the main enemy force in order to provide relief for a hard pressed friendly platoon, he dashed through the intense enemy fire into the open and hurled colored smoke grenades to designate the foe for attack by helicopter gunships. He moved among his men to embolden their advance, and he guided their attack by marking enemy locations with bursts of fire from his own weapon. His forceful leadership quickened the advance, forced the enemy to retreat, and allowed his unit to close with the main hostile force. Continuing the deployment of his platoon, he constantly exposed himself as he ran from man to man to give encouragement and to direct their efforts. A shot from an enemy sniper struck him above the heart but he refused aid for this serious injury, plugging the bleeding wound with his finger until it could be properly dressed. As the strength mounted, he ordered his men to organize a defensive position in and around some abandoned bunkers where he conducted a defense against the increasingly strong enemy attacks. After several hours, a North Vietnamese soldier hurled a hand grenade to within a few feet of 1st Lt. Karopczyc and two other wounded men. Although his position protected him, he leaped up to cover the deadly grenade with a steel helmet. It exploded to drive fragments into 1st Lt. Karopczyc's legs, but his action prevented further injury to the two wounded men. Severely weakened by his multiple wounds, he continued to direct the actions of his men until he succumbed two hours later. 1st Lt. Karopczyc's heroic leadership. unyielding perseverance and selfless devotion to his men were directly responsible for the successful and spirited action of his platoon throughout the battle, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
* SARGENT, RUPPERT L *
Rank and Organization: 1st Lt., U.S. Army, Company B, 4th Battalion 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 March 1967
Entered Service At: Richmond, Va.
Born: 6 January 1938 Hampton, Va.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While leading a platoon of Company B, 1st Lt. Sargent was investigating a reported Viet Cong meeting house and weapons cache. A tunnel entrance, which 1st Lt. Sargent observed was booby trapped. He tried to destroy the booby and blow the cover from the tunnel using hand grenades, but this attempt was not successful. He and his demolition man moved on to destroy the booby trap and cover which flushed a Viet Cong solider from the tunnel, who was immediately killed by the nearby platoon sergeant. 1st Lt. Sargent, the platoon sergeant and a forward observer moved toward the tunnel entrance. As they approached. another Viet Cong emerged and threw two hand grenades that landed in the midst of the group. 1st Lt. Sargent fired three shots at the enemy then turned and unhesitatingly threw himself over the two grenades. He was mortally wounded, and his two companions were lightly wounded when the grenades exploded. By his courageous and selfless act of exceptional heroism, he saved the lives of the lives of the platoon sergeant and forward observer and prevented the injury or death of several other nearby comrades. 1st Lt. Sargent's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
STUMPF, KENNETH E.
Rank and Organization: Staff Sergeant ( then SP4 ), U.S.Army, Company C, 1st Battalion 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam, 25 April 1967
Entered Service At: Milwaukee, Wis
Born: 28 September 1944, Neenah, Wis.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Stumpf distinguished himself while serving as a aquad leader of the 3d P;atoon, Company C, on a search and destroy mission.As S/Sgt. Stumpf's company approached a village, it encountered a North Vietnamese rifle company occupying a well-fortified bunker complex. During the initial contact, three men from his squad fell wounded in front of a hostile machinegun emplacement. The enemy's heavy volume of fore prevented the unit from moving to the aid of the injured men, but S/Sgt. Stumpf's left his secure position in a deep trench and ran through the barrage of incoming rounds to reach his wounded comrades. He picked up one of the men and carried him back to the safety of the trench. Twice more S/Sgt. Stumpf dashed forward while the enemy turned automatic weapons and machineguns upon him, yet he managed to rescue the remaining two wounded squad members. He then organized his squad and led an assault against several enemy bunkers from which continuously heavy fire was being received. He and his squad successfully eliminated two of the bunker positions, but one to the front of the advancing platoon remained a serious threat. Arming himself with extra hand grenades, S/Sgt. Stumpf ran over open ground through a volley of fire directed at him by a determined enemy, toward the machinegun position. As
he reached the bunker, he threw a hand grenade through the aperture. It was
immediately returned by the occupants, forcing S/ Sgt. Stumpf to take cover.
Undaunted he pulled the pins on two more grenades, held them for a few seconds
after activation, then hurled them into the position, this time successfully
destroying the emplacement. With the elimination of this key position, his unit
was able to assault and overrun the enemy. S/Sgt. Stumpf's relentless spirit of
aggressiveness, intrepidity, and ultimate concern for the lives of his men, are
in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself and the U.S. Army.
*FLEEK, CHARLES CLINTON*
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U .S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th
Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 27 May 1967.
Entered service at: Cincinnati, Ohio.
Born: 28 August 1947, Petersburg, Ky.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Fleek distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in Company C, during an ambush operation. Sgt. Fleek's unit was deployed in ambush locations when a large enemy force approached the position. Suddenly, the leading enemy element, sensing the ambush, halted and started to withdraw. Reacting instantly, Sgt. Fleek opened fire and directed the effective fire of his men upon the numerically superior enemy force. During the fierce battle that followed, an enemy soldier threw a grenade into the squad position. Realizing that his men had not seen the grenade, Sgt. Fleek, although in a position to seek cover, shouted a warning to his comrades and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing its blast. His gallant action undoubtedly saved the lives or prevented the injury of at least 8 of his fellow soldiers. Sgt. Fleek's gallantry and willing self-sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army .
*PITTS, RILEY L.*
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company C, 2d Battalion, 27th
Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Ap Dong, Republic of Vietnam, 31 October 1967.
Entered service at: Wichita, Kans.
Born: 15 October 1937, Fallis, Okla.
Citation:
Distinguishing himself by exceptional heroism while
serving as company commander during an airmobile assault. Immediately after his
company landed in the area, several Viet Cong opened fire with automatic
weapons. Despite the enemy fire, Capt. Pitts forcefully led an assault which
overran the enemy positions. Shortly thereafter, Capt. Pitts was ordered to move
his unit to the north to reinforce another company heavily engaged against a
strong enemy force. As Capt. Pitts' company moved forward to engage the enemy,
intense fire was received from 3 directions, including fire from 4 enemy
bunkers, 2 of which were within 15 meters of Capt. Pitts' position. The severity
of the incoming fire prevented Capt. Pitts from maneuvering his company. His
rifle fire proving ineffective against the enemy due to the dense jungle
foliage, he picked up an M-79 grenade launcher and began pinpointing the
targets. Seizing a Chinese Communist grenade which had been taken from a
captured Viet Cong's web gear, Capt. Pitts lobbed the grenade at a bunker to his
front, but it hit the dense jungle foliage and rebounded. Without hesitation,
Capt. Pitts threw himself on top of the grenade which, fortunately, failed to
explode. Capt. Pitts then directed the repositioning of the company to permit
friendly artillery to be fired. Upon completion of the artillery fire mission,
Capt. Pitts again led his men toward the enemy positions, personally killing at
least 1 more Viet Cong. The jungle growth still prevented effective fire to be
placed on the enemy bunkers. Capt. Pitts, displaying complete disregard for his
life and personal safety, quickly moved to a position which permitted him to
place effective fire on the enemy. He maintained a continuous fire, pinpointing
the enemy's fortified positions, while at the same time directing and urging his
men forward, until he was mortally wounded. Capt. Pitts' conspicuous gallantry,
extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond
the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect
great credit upon himself, his unit, and the Armed Forces of his country.
*CUTINHA, NICHOLAS J.*
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 4th
Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near
Gia Dinh, Republic of Vietnam, 2 March 1968.
Entered service at: Coral Gables,Fla.
Born: 13 January 1945, Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Citation:
For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty. While serving as a machine gunner with Company C, Sp4c. Cutinha
accompanied his unit on a combat mission near Gia Dinh. Suddenly his company
came under small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and rocket propelled grenade
fire, from a battalion size enemy unit. During the initial hostile attack,
communication with the battalion was lost and the company commander and numerous
members of the company became casualties. When Sp4c. Cutinha observed that his
company was pinned down and disorganized, he moved to the front with complete
disregard for his safety, firing his machine gun at the charging enemy. As he
moved forward he drew fire on his own position and was seriously wounded in the
leg. As the hostile fire intensified and half of the company was killed or
wounded, Sp4c. Cutinha assumed command of all the survivors in his area and
initiated a withdrawal while providing covering fire for the evacuation of the
wounded. He killed several enemy soldiers but sustained another leg wound when
his machine gun was destroyed by incoming rounds. Undaunted, he crawled through
a hail of enemy fire to an operable machine gun in order to continue the defense
of his injured comrades who were being administered medical treatment. Sp4c.
Cutinha maintained this position, refused assistance, and provided defensive
fire for his comrades until he fell mortally wounded. He was solely responsible
for killing 15 enemy soldiers while saving the lives of at least 9 members of
his own unit. Sp4c. Cutinha's gallantry and extraordinary heroism were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
LAMBERS, PAUL RONALD
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion,
27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Tay Ninh province, Republic of Vietnam, 20 August 1968.
Entered service at: Holland, Mich.
Born: 25June 1942, Holland, Mich.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. (then
Sgt.) Lambers distinguished himself in action while serving with the 3d platoon,
Company A. The unit had established a night defensive position astride a
suspected enemy infiltration route, when it was attacked by an estimated Viet
Cong battalion. During the initial enemy onslaught, the platoon leader fell
seriously wounded and S/Sgt. Lambers assumed command of the platoon.
Disregarding the intense enemy fire, S/Sgt. Lambers left his covered position,
secured the platoon radio and moved to the command post to direct the defense.
When his radio became inoperative due to enemy action, S/Sgt. Lambers crossed
the fire swept position to secure the 90mm recoilless rifle crew's radio in
order to re-establish communications. Upon discovering that the 90mm recoilless
rifle was not functioning, S/Sgt. Lambers assisted in the repair of the weapon
and directed canister fire at point-blank range against the attacking enemy who
had breached the defensive wire of the position. When the weapon was knocked out
by enemy fire, he single-handedly repulsed a penetration of the position by
detonating claymore mines and throwing grenades into the midst of the attackers,
killing 4 more of the Viet Cong with well aimed hand grenades. S/Sgt. Lambers
maintained command of the platoon elements by moving from position to position
under the hail of enemy fire, providing assistance where the assault was the
heaviest and by his outstanding example inspiring his men to the utmost efforts
of courage. He displayed great skill and valor throughout the 5-hour battle by
personally directing artillery and helicopter fire, placing them at times within
5 meters of the defensive position. He repeatedly exposed himself to hostile
fire at great risk to his own life in order to redistribute ammunition and to
care for seriously wounded comrades and to move them to sheltered positions.
S/Sgt. Lambers' superb leadership, professional skill and magnificent courage
saved the lives of his comrades, resulted in the virtual annihilation of a
vastly superior enemy force and were largely instrumental in thwarting an enemy
offensive against Tay Ninh City. His gallantry at the risk of his life is in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*YOUNG, MARVIN R.*
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion,
(Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near BenCui, Republic of Vietnam, 21 August 1968.
Entered service at: Odessa, Tex.
Born:11 May 1947, Alpine, Tex.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Young
distinguished himself at the cost of his life while serving as a squad leader
with Company C. While conducting a reconnaissance mission in the vicinity of Ben
Cui, Company C was suddenly engaged by an estimated regimental-size force of the
North Vietnamese Army. During the initial volley of fire the point element of
the 1st Platoon was pinned down, sustaining several casualties, and the acting
platoon leader was killed. S/Sgt. Young unhesitatingly assumed command of the
platoon and immediately began to organize and deploy his men into a defensive
position in order to repel the attacking force. As a human wave attack advanced
on S/Sgt. Young's platoon, he moved from position to position, encouraging and
directing fire on the hostile insurgents while exposing himself to the hail of
enemy bullets. After receiving orders to withdraw to a better defensive
position, he remained behind to provide covering fire for the withdrawal.
Observing that a small element of the point squad was unable to extract itself
from its position, and completely disregarding his personal safety, S/Sgt. Young
began moving toward their position, firing as he maneuvered. When halfway to
their position he sustained a critical head injury, yet he continued his mission
and ordered the element to withdraw. Remaining with the squad as it fought its
way to the rear, he was twice seriously wounded in the arm and leg. Although his
leg was badly shattered, S/Sgt. Young refused assistance that would have slowed
the retreat of his comrades, and he ordered them to continue their withdrawal
while he provided protective covering fire. With indomitable courage and heroic
self-sacrifice, he continued his self-assigned mission until the enemy force
engulfed his position. By his gallantry at the cost of his life are in the
highest traditions of the military service, S/Sgt. Young has reflected great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*SEAY, WILLIAM W.*
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 62d Transportation Company
(Medium Truck), 7th Transportation Battalion, 48th Transportation Group.
Place and date: Near Ap Nhi, Republic of Vietnam 25 August 1968.
Entered service at: Montgomery, Ala.
Born: 24 October 1948, Brewton, Ala.
Citation:
For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty. Sgt. Seay distinguished himself while serving as a driver with the
62d Transportation Company, on a resupply mission. The convoy with which he was
traveling, carrying critically needed ammunition and supplies from Long Binh to
Tay Ninh, was ambushed by a reinforced battalion of the North Vietnamese Army.
As the main elements of the convoy entered the ambush killing zone, they were
struck by intense rocket, machinegun and automatic weapon fire from the well
concealed and entrenched enemy force. When his convoy was forced to stop, Sgt.
Seay immediately dismounted and took a defensive position behind the wheels of a
vehicle loaded with high-explosive ammunition. As the violent North Vietnamese
assault approached to within 10 meters of the road, Sgt. Seay opened fire,
killing 2 of the enemy. He then spotted a sniper in a tree approximately 75
meters to his front and killed him. When an enemy grenade was thrown under an
ammunition trailer near his position, without regard for his own safety he left
his protective cover, exposing himself to intense enemy fire, picked up the
grenade, and threw it back to the North Vietnamese position, killing 4 more of
the enemy and saving the lives of the men around him. Another enemy grenade
landed approximately 3 meters from Sgt. Seay's position. Again Sgt. Seay left
his covered position and threw the armed grenade back upon the assaulting enemy.
After returning to his position he was painfully wounded in the right wrist;
however, Sgt. Seay continued to give encouragement and direction to his fellow
soldiers. After moving to the relative cover of a shallow ditch, he detected 3
enemy soldiers who had penetrated the position and were preparing to fire on his
comrades. Although weak from loss of blood and with his right hand immobilized,
Sgt. Seay stood up and fired his rifle with his left hand, killing all 3 and
saving the lives of the other men in his location. As a result of his heroic
action, Sgt. Seay was mortally wounded by a sniper's bullet. Sgt. Seay, by his
gallantry in action at the cost of his life, has reflected great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*WARREN, JOHN E., JR.*
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company C, 2d Battalion,
(Mechanized), 22d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 14 January 1969.
Entered service at: New York, N.Y.
Born: 16 November 1946, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty. 1st Lt. Warren, distinguished himself at the cost of his life while
serving as a platoon leader with Company C. While moving through a rubber
plantation to reinforce another friendly unit, Company C came under intense fire
from a well-fortified enemy force. Disregarding his safety, 1st Lt. Warren with
several of his men began maneuvering through the hail of enemy fire toward the
hostile positions. When he had come to within 6 feet of one of the enemy bunkers
and was preparing to toss a hand grenade into it, an enemy grenade was suddenly
thrown into the middle of his small group. Thinking only of his men, 1st Lt.
Warren fell in the direction of the grenade, thus shielding those around him
from the blast. His action, performed at the cost of his life, saved 3 men from
serious or mortal injury. First Lt. Warren's ultimate action of sacrifice to
save the lives of his men was in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*HARTSOCK, ROBERT W.*
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 44th Infantry Platoon, 3d
Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Hau Nghia, Province, Republic of Vietnam, 23 February 1969.
Entered service at: Fairmont, W. Va.
Born: 24 January 1945, Cumberland, Md.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
S/Sgt. Hartsock, distinguished himself in action while serving as section leader
with the 44th Infantry Platoon. When the Dau Tieng Base Camp came under a heavy
enemy rocket and mortar attack, S/Sgt. Hartsock and his platoon commander
spotted an enemy sapper squad which had infiltrated the camp undetected.
Realizing the enemy squad was heading for the brigade tactical operations center
and nearby prisoner compound, they concealed themselves and, although heavily
outnumbered, awaited the approach of the hostile soldiers. When the enemy was
almost upon them, S/Sgt. Hartsock and his platoon commander opened fire on the
squad. As a wounded enemy soldier fell, he managed to detonate a satchel charge
he was carrying. S/Sgt. Hartsock, with complete disregard for his life, threw
himself on the charge and was gravely wounded. In spite of his wounds, S/Sgt.
Hartsock crawled about 5 meters to a ditch and provided heavy suppressive fire,
completely pinning down the enemy and allowing his commander to seek shelter.
S/Sgt. Hartsock continued his deadly stream of fire until he succumbed to his
wounds. S/Sgt. Hartsock's extraordinary heroism and profound concern for the
lives of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*DOANE, STEPHEN HOLDEN*
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion,
5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, 25 March 1969.
Entered service at: Albany, N.Y.
Born: 13 October 1947, Beverely, Mass.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. First Lt. Doane was serving as a platoon leader when his company, engaged in a tactical operation, abruptly contacted an enemy force concealed in protected bunkers and trenches. Three of the leading soldiers were pinned down by enemy crossfire. One was seriously wounded. After efforts of 1 platoon to rescue these men had failed, it became obvious that only a small group could successfully move close enough to destroy the enemy position and rescue or relieve the trapped soldiers, 1st Lt. Doane, although fully aware of the danger of such an action, crawled to the nearest enemy bunker and silenced it. He was wounded but continued to advance to a second enemy bunker. As he prepared to throw a grenade, he was again wounded. Undaunted, he deliberately pulled the pin on the grenade and lunged with it into the enemy bunker, destroying this final obstacle. 1st Lt. Doane's supreme act enabled his company to rescue the trapped men without further casualties. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his men and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army .
BOWEN, HAMMETT L., JR.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 2d Battalion,
14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Binh Duong Province,Republic of Vietnam, 27 June 1969.
Entered service at: Jacksonville, Fla.
Born:30 November 1947, Lagrange, Ga.
Citation:
S/Sgt. Bowen distinguished himself
while serving as a platoon sergeant during combat operations in Binh Duong
Province, Republic of Vietnam. S/Sgt. Bowen's platoon was advancing on a
reconnaissance mission into enemy controlled terrain when it came under the
withering crossfire of small arms and grenades from an enemy ambush force.
S/Sgt. Bowen placed heavy suppressive fire on the enemy positions and ordered
his men to fall back. As the platoon was moving back, an enemy grenade was
thrown amid S/Sgt. Bowen and 3 of his men. Sensing the danger to his comrades,
S/Sgt. Bowen shouted a warning to his men and hurled himself on the grenade,
absorbing the explosion with his body while saving the lives of his fellow
soldiers. S/Sgt. Bowen's extraordinary courage and concern for his men at the
cost of his life served as an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the military service and the U.S. Army.
*PETERSEN, DANNY J.*
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 4th
Battalion, 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 9 January 1970.
Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo.
Born: 11 March 1949, Horton, Kans.
Citation:
Sp4c. Petersen distinguished
himself while serving as an armored personnel carrier commander with Company B
during a combat operation against a North Vietnamese Army Force estimated to be
of battalion size. During the initial contact with the enemy, an armored
personnel carrier was disabled and the crewmen were pinned down by the heavy
onslaught of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade
fire. Sp4c. Petersen immediately maneuvered his armored personnel carrier to a
position between the disabled vehicle and the enemy. He placed suppressive fire
on the enemy's well-fortified position, thereby enabling the crewmembers of the
disabled personnel carrier to repair their vehicle. He then maneuvered his
vehicle, while still under heavy hostile fire to within 10 feet of the enemy's
defensive emplacement. After a period of intense fighting, his vehicle received
a direct hit and the driver was wounded. With extraordinary courage and selfless
disregard for his own safety, Sp4c. Petersen carried his wounded comrade 45
meters across the bullet-swept field to a secure area. He then voluntarily
returned to his disabled armored personnel carrier to provide covering fire for
both the other vehicles and the dismounted personnel of his platoon as they
withdrew. Despite heavy fire from 3 sides, he remained with his disabled
vehicle, alone and completely exposed. Sp4c. Petersen was standing on top of his
vehicle, firing his weapon, when he was mortally wounded. His heroic and
selfless actions prevented further loss of life in his platoon. Sp4c. Petersen's
conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism are in the highest traditions of
the service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*STEINDAM, RUSSELL A.*
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Troop B, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry, Division.
Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 1 February 1970.
Entered service at: Austin, Tex.
Born: 27 August 1946, Austin, Tex.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Steindam, Troop
B, while serving as a platoon leader, led members of his platoon on a night
ambush operation. On the way to the ambush site, suspected enemy movement was
detected on 1 flank and the platoon's temporary position was subjected to
intense small arms and automatic weapons fire as well as a fusillade of hand and
rocket-propelled grenades. After the initial barrage, 1st Lt. Steindam ordered
fire placed on the enemy position and the wounded men to be moved to a shallow
bomb crater. As he directed the return fire against the enemy from his exposed
position, a fragmentation grenade was thrown into the site occupied by his
command group. Instantly realizing the extreme gravity of the situation, 1st Lt.
Steindam shouted a warning to alert his fellow soldiers in the immediate
vicinity. Then, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, 1st
Lt. Steindam deliberately threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full and
fatal force of the explosion as it detonated. By his gallant action and
self-sacrifice, he was able to save the lives of the nearby members of his
command group. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by 1st Lt.
Steindam were an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions
of the U.S. Army.
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