Vietnam Vet
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Edward Knadle (0-5243162), Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 35th Engineer Battalion, United States Army Engineer Command, Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Knadle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 October 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an engineer unit operating near Phu Li Bridge. While en route to his base camp by jeep, Lieutenant Knadle and his squad were savagely ambushed by a numerically superior Viet Cong force firing automatic weapons and grenades from both sides of the road. He was wounded and the vehicle was disabled by the withering barrage. He quickly directed his men to defensive positions while he remained in the open by the jeep to radio for reinforcements and medical evacuation. Completely disregarding his own safety, he refused to take cover and maintained radio contact with friendly units coming to his assistance. The enemy forces concentrated their fire on his exposed position in an attempt to cut communications, and he was seriously wounded by exploding grenades. Heedless of bullets striking all around him, he refused aid and fought furiously to repel the mounting enemy attack. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men in the face of grave danger. His fearless actions inspired his men to continue fighting until reinforcements arrived and defeated the determined hostile forces. Second Lieutenant Knadle's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 6340 (December 10, 1967)
Home Town: Camp Springs, Maryland
Oct 7, 2008 |
