Medal of Honor: Charles C. Lauffer, Vietnam War, September 21, 1966

Name: Charles C. Lauffer
Rank: Private First Class, U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Date of Action: September 21, 1966
Unit: Company C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Division
Place: Near Bồng Sơn, Bình Định Province, Republic of Vietnam
Born: October 20, 1945, Murray, Kentucky

Summary of Action

On September 21, 1966, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment was on patrol near Bồng Sơn, Bình Định Province, when Private First Class Charles C. Lauffer’s squad came under sudden, devastating crossfire from two concealed enemy machine-gun bunkers.

The first man in the column fell instantly, and the rest of the squad was trapped in the beaten zone. Two wounded comrades being carried on litters were left helpless in the open, exposed to certain death. Lauffer immediately engaged the bunkers with his rifle, covering his squad’s attempts to maneuver. But as enemy fire intensified, it became clear no one could move without a decisive act.

With complete disregard for his own life, Lauffer rose to his feet and charged straight at the enemy bunkers, firing his weapon as he advanced. His lone assault drew the enemy’s full attention, buying precious moments for the point man to crawl to safety, for the wounded to be moved out of danger, and for his squad to reach better positions.

Lauffer was mortally wounded during this act of courage, but his sacrifice saved untold lives. His valor, devotion to duty, and selfless action embodied the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Official Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Lauffer’s squad, a part of Company C, was suddenly struck at close range by an intense machine gun crossfire from 2 concealed bunkers astride the squad’s route. Pfc. Lauffer, the second man in the column, saw the lead man fall and noted that the remainder of the squad was unable to move. Two comrades, previously wounded and being carried on litters, were lying helpless in the beaten zone of the enemy fire. Reacting instinctively, Pfc. Lauffer quickly engaged both bunkers with fire from his rifle, but when the other squad members attempted to maneuver under his covering fire, the enemy fusillade increased in volume and thwarted every attempt to move. Seeing this and his wounded comrades helpless in the open, Pfc. Lauffer rose to his feet and charged the enemy machine gun positions, firing his weapon and drawing the enemy’s attention. Keeping the enemy confused and off balance, his 1-man assault provided the crucial moments for the wounded point man to crawl to a covered position, the squad to move the exposed litter patients to safety, and his comrades to gain more advantageous positions. Pfc. Lauffer was fatally wounded during his selfless act of courage and devotion to his fellow soldiers. His gallantry at the cost of his life served as an inspiration to his comrades and saved the lives of an untold number of his companions. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.