Name: Robert D. Law
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Branch: U.S. Army
Unit: Company I (Ranger), 75th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division
Place: Tinh Phuoc Thanh Province, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Dallas, Texas
Born: 15 September 1944, Fort Worth, Texas
Summary of Action
While serving on a long-range reconnaissance patrol in Tinh Phuoc Thanh Province, Sp4c. Robert D. Law and five fellow Rangers encountered a small enemy patrol. A fierce firefight erupted immediately.
Law maneuvered to a dangerously exposed flanking position and delivered suppressive fire to protect his teammates. Despite a dwindling ammunition supply and the presence of an unidentified irritating gas that hampered the patrol’s effectiveness, he maintained an aggressive defense and inspired his comrades to counterattack the well-equipped enemy force.
As the battle intensified, an enemy grenade landed in the team’s position. Behind him lay the safety of a nearby stream.
Instead of seeking cover, Sp4c. Law threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full force of the explosion and saving the lives of his fellow Rangers.
His selfless act of sacrifice exemplified the highest traditions of service and devotion to comrades in combat.
Medal of Honor Citation
LAW, ROBERT D.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company I (Ranger), 75th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
Place and date: Tinh Phuoc Thanh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 22 February 1969.
Entered service at: Dallas, Tex.
Born: 15 September 1944, Fort Worth, Tex.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Law distinguished himself while serving with Company I. While on a long-range reconnaissance patrol in Tinh Phuoc Thanh Province, Sp4c. Law and 5 comrades made contact with a small enemy patrol. As the opposing elements exchanged intense fire, he maneuvered to a perilously exposed position flanking his comrades and began placing suppressive fire on the hostile troops. Although his team was hindered by a low supply of ammunition and suffered from an unidentified irritating gas in the air, Sp4c. Law’s spirited defense and challenging counterassault rallied his fellow soldiers against the well-equipped hostile troops. When an enemy grenade landed in his team’s position, Sp4c. Law, instead of diving into the safety of a stream behind him, threw himself on the grenade to save the lives of his comrades. Sp4c. Law’s extraordinary courage and profound concern for his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Name: Robert D. Law
