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Medal of Honor
HARTSOCK, ROBERT W. *
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 44th Infantry Platoon Scout Dog, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
Place and date: Hau Nghia, Province, Republic of Vietnam, 23 February 1969
Entered service at: Fairmont, West Virginia
Born: 24 January 1945, Cumberland, Maryland
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.
--- General / Personal ---
Last name: HARTSOCK
First name: ROBERT WILLARD
Home of Record (official): CUMBERLAND
State (official): MD
Date of Birth: Wednesday, January 24, 1945
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single
--- Military ---
Branch: Army
Rank: SSG
Serial Number: 51907015
Component: Selective Service
Posthumous promotion as indicated
Pay grade: E5
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11F20
--- Action ---
Start of Tour: Friday, May 17, 1968
Date of Casualty: Sunday, February 23, 1969
Age at time of loss: 24
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Binh Duong
The Wall: Panel 31W - Row 003
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