Medal of Honor: Robert Leslie Poxon - Vietnam War - June 2, 1969

Name: Robert Leslie Poxon
Rank: First Lieutenant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
Date of Action: June 2, 1969
Location: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 2 June 1969, First Lieutenant Robert Leslie Poxon displayed extraordinary heroism while serving as a platoon leader with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division.

His platoon had been inserted by helicopter into an area believed to contain enemy forces. As the soldiers landed, they were immediately met by a devastating volume of fire from concealed enemy positions and fortified bunkers surrounding the landing zone.

In the opening moments of the engagement, one soldier was struck down by enemy fire.

Without hesitation, Poxon sprinted across twenty meters of open ground to reach the fallen man.

His courageous effort drew the bulk of the enemy fire onto himself. When he reached the casualty, he discovered the soldier could not be saved, and in the process Poxon was seriously wounded.

Despite his injuries, he refused both medical treatment and evacuation.

Recognizing that his platoon's survival depended upon seizing the initiative, he quickly assessed the battlefield and identified a centrally located enemy bunker as the key position controlling the enemy defense.

Directing his men to concentrate their fire on the strongpoint, Poxon began crawling toward the bunker under intense enemy fire.

Clutching a hand grenade, he continued advancing despite his wounds.

As he closed on the position, enemy rounds struck him again.

Ignoring the pain and loss of blood, he pressed forward and launched his assault.

Reaching the bunker, he successfully silenced the enemy weapons that had pinned down his platoon and threatened the entire operation.

Moments later, while continuing the attack, he was struck yet again by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded.

Inspired by his example, his soldiers surged forward, overran the enemy positions, and drove the defenders from the battlefield.

First Lieutenant Poxon's courage, leadership, and willingness to sacrifice himself for his men transformed a desperate situation into victory and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

POXON, ROBERT LESLIE

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division.

Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 June 1969.

Entered service at: Detroit, Mich.

Born: 3 January 1947, Detroit, Mich.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Poxon, Armor, Troop B, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader on a reconnaissance mission. Landing by helicopter in an area suspected of being occupied by the enemy, the platoon came under intense fire from enemy soldiers in concealed positions and fortifications around the landing zone. A soldier fell, hit by the first burst of fire. 1st Lt. Poxon dashed to his aid, drawing the majority of the enemy fire as he crossed 20 meters of open ground. The fallen soldier was beyond help and 1st Lt. Poxon was seriously and painfully wounded. 1st Lt. Poxon, with indomitable courage, refused medical aid and evacuation and turned his attention to seizing the initiative from the enemy. With sure instinct he marked a central enemy bunker as the key to success. Quickly instructing his men to concentrate their fire on the bunker, and in spite of his wound, 1st Lt. Poxon crawled toward the bunker, readied a hand grenade and charged. He was hit again but continued his assault. After succeeding in silencing the enemy guns in the bunker he was struck once again by enemy fire and fell, mortally wounded. 1st Lt. Poxon's comrades followed their leader, pressed the attack and drove the enemy from their positions. 1st Lt. Poxon's gallantry, indomitable will, and courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.