Medal of Honor: Gordon Douglas Yntema – Vietnam War – Republic of Vietnam – January 1968

Name: Gordon Douglas Yntema
Rank: Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Detachment A-431
Place: Near Thong Binh, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Detroit, Michigan
Born: Bethesda, Maryland

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Summary of Action

Between 16 and 18 January 1968, Sergeant Gordon Douglas Yntema distinguished himself while serving with Detachment A-431, Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during combat operations near the village of Thong Binh, Republic of Vietnam. He accompanied two platoons of civilian irregular forces from Camp Cai Cai to establish a blocking position east of the village.

Soon after taking position, the force became heavily engaged in a fierce firefight with Viet Cong forces entrenched in bunkers. When the Vietnamese commander was seriously wounded, Sergeant Yntema immediately assumed command and maneuvered his troops to within 50 meters of the enemy positions. After a prolonged firefight, overwhelming enemy pressure forced the unit to withdraw to a trench to continue its blocking mission.

Taking advantage of the situation, approximately one company of Viet Cong maneuvered to pin the friendly force from three sides. Enemy mortar fire inflicted heavy casualties, ammunition ran dangerously low, and many of the irregular troops began to withdraw. Despite being seriously wounded and ordered to pull back, Sergeant Yntema refused to abandon his fallen comrades.

Under intense small-arms and machinegun fire, he carried the wounded Vietnamese commander and a mortally wounded American Special Forces advisor to a small gully 50 meters away, shielding them from direct enemy fire. Returning to the fight, he continued to resist repeated enemy assaults until he was out of ammunition and completely surrounded.

Offered the chance to surrender, Sergeant Yntema refused. Armed only with his rifle, he used it as a club and fought hand-to-hand against approximately fifteen Viet Cong attempting to capture him. His resistance was so determined and violent that the enemy was forced to kill him to overcome his stand.

Sergeant Yntema’s extraordinary valor, refusal to abandon the wounded, and final act of defiance against overwhelming odds exemplify the highest traditions of the United States Army and Special Forces.

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Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Yntema distinguished himself while assigned to Detachment A-431, Company D. As part of a larger force of civilian irregulars from Camp Cai Cai, he accompanied two platoons to a blocking position east of the village of Thong Binh, where they became heavily engaged in a small-arms firefight with the Viet Cong. Assuming control of the force when the Vietnamese commander was seriously wounded, he advanced his troops to within 50 meters of the enemy bunkers. After a fierce firefight, enemy action forced a withdrawal to a trench position. Approximately one company of Viet Cong maneuvered to pin down the friendly forces from three sides. Despite serious wounds and orders to withdraw, Sgt. Yntema refused to leave his comrades. Under intense fire, he carried the wounded Vietnamese commander and a mortally wounded American advisor to cover. He continued to resist enemy assaults until surrounded and out of ammunition. Refusing to surrender, he fought the enemy with his rifle as a club until he was killed. Sgt. Yntema’s personal bravery, self-sacrifice, and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Special Forces Group, and the U.S. Army.