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Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Troop
B, 2d Squadron. 17th Cavalry. Place and date: Near La Chu, Republic
of Vietnam, 6 May 1968. Entered service at: Raleigh, N.C. Born: 16
April 1948, Durham, N.C.
Citation... For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty. Sgt. Patterson (then Sp4c.) distinguished himself
while serving as a fire team leader of the 3d Platoon, Troop B,
during an assault against a North Vietnamese Army battalion which
was entrenched in a heavily fortified position. When the leading
squad of the 3d Platoon was pinned down by heavy interlocking
automatic weapon and rocket propelled grenade fire from 2 enemy
bunkers, Sgt. Patterson and the 2 other members of his assault team
moved forward under a hail of enemy fire to destroy the bunkers with
grenade and machinegun fire. |
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Observing that his comrades were being fired on from a third enemy bunker covered by enemy gunners in l-man spider holes, Sgt. Patterson, with complete disregard for his safety and ignoring the warning of his comrades that he was moving into a bunker complex, assaulted and destroyed the position. Although exposed to intensive small arm and grenade fire from the bunkers and their mutually supporting emplacements. Sgt. Patterson continued his assault upon the bunkers which were impeding the advance of his unit. Sgt. Patterson single-handedly destroyed by rifle and grenade fire 5 enemy bunkers, killed 8 enemy soldiers and captured 7 weapons. His dauntless courage and heroism inspired his platoon to resume the attack and to penetrate the enemy defensive position. Sgt. Patterson's action at the risk of his life has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army. | |
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