Medal of Honor: Robert Martin Patterson – Vietnam War – May 6, 1968

Name: Robert Martin Patterson
Rank: Sergeant (then Specialist Fourth Class)
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Troop B, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry
Date of Action: May 6, 1968
Location: Near La Chu, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 6 May 1968, Sergeant Robert Martin Patterson distinguished himself during an assault against a heavily fortified North Vietnamese Army battalion near La Chu.

As the attack developed, the leading squad of the 3d Platoon was suddenly pinned down by devastating interlocking automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled grenades coming from enemy bunkers.

Movement stopped.

The platoon was trapped in the kill zone.

Without hesitation, Patterson moved forward with two members of his assault team through a storm of enemy fire.

Using grenades and machine-gun fire, they attacked and destroyed the first bunkers blocking the advance.

But the enemy defense was deeper and deadlier than expected.

Patterson saw additional fire pouring from another bunker complex protected by spider holes and mutually supporting positions.

Ignoring warnings from his comrades that he was moving directly into the heart of the enemy defenses, he charged forward alone.

With complete disregard for his own safety, he assaulted the bunker system at close range.

Grenades exploded.

Rifle fire echoed through the bunkers.

Enemy soldiers attempted to stop him from every direction.

He kept moving.

One bunker after another fell to his attack.

Despite intense small-arms and grenade fire, Patterson continued pressing forward until the enemy defenses began to collapse.

By the end of the fight, he had single-handedly destroyed five enemy bunkers, killed eight enemy soldiers, and captured seven enemy weapons.

His ferocious assault shattered the enemy strongpoint and inspired the platoon to renew the attack and penetrate the North Vietnamese defensive line.

His courage, aggression, and willingness to face overwhelming odds alone reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

PATTERSON, ROBERT MARTIN

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. Observing that his comrades were being fired on from a third enemy bunker covered by enemy gunners in 1-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.