Home or Place of Enlistment: Pocatello, Idaho Start of Tour: August 19, 1970 Killed in Action: February 15, 1971 Location:Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM GALLANTRY CROSS UNIT CITATION
By order of the Secretary of the Army, the Cross of Gallantry with Palm has been awarded by the Government of the Republic of Vietnam for outstanding service to:
2D SQUADRON, 17TH CAVALRY 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION AND ITS ATTACHED UNITS COMPANY L, 75TH INFANTRY
The citation reads as follows:
An outstanding, seasoned unit which always demonstrates a gallant fighting spirit. Participating in combat in Quang Tri and Thua Thien Provinces from 2 December 1969 to 8 January 1971, the 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, has fought alongside and provided maximum fire support for the 1st Infantry Division, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces, at Tun Tavern, Fuller, Barbara, and O'Reilly bases, thus blocking infiltrates by the North Vietnamese Communists into the dense mountain areas of Quang Tri and Thua Thien Provinces and inflicting heavy losses upon the adversary. In particular, during Operations Narrative and Clinch Valley, conducted in June and July 1970, although faced with unfavorable weather conditions, rugged terrain, and intense hostile fire, the men of the 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, overcame all hardships and fought gallantly, smashing many North Vietnamese Communist regular units and at the same time destroying many enemy bases, trenches and defensive fortifications. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy and numerous weapons and much ammunition, along with military clothing and equipment, was seized. With the above brilliant achievements, the 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, has made a substantial contribution to the Republic of Vietnam's fight against the Communist aggressors in order to preserve freedom. At the same time, it has upheld the heroic traditions of the United States Armed Forces.