MOH

Medal of Honor: Robert W. Hartsock – U.S. Army – Vietnam War

An infiltrating sapper squad moved toward the heart of the base. He chose to meet them head-on.

February 24, 2026

Name: Robert W. Hartsock
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
Unit: 44th Infantry Platoon, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
Place: Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Fairmont, West Virginia
Born: 24 January 1945, Cumberland, Maryland

Summary of Action

During a heavy rocket and mortar attack on Dau Tieng Base Camp, S/Sgt. Robert W. Hartsock and his platoon commander detected an enemy sapper squad that had infiltrated the perimeter undetected.

Realizing the hostile force was heading toward the brigade tactical operations center and a nearby prisoner compound, the two soldiers concealed themselves and prepared to intercept the enemy despite being heavily outnumbered.

When the sappers approached within close range, Hartsock and his commander opened fire. In the exchange, a wounded enemy detonated a satchel charge he was carrying.

Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own life, S/Sgt. Hartsock threw himself onto the explosive and was gravely wounded.

Despite his catastrophic injuries, he crawled approximately five meters to a ditch and delivered heavy suppressive fire, pinning down the enemy and allowing his platoon commander to reach cover. He maintained a deadly stream of fire until he succumbed to his wounds.

His courageous stand halted the enemy threat and protected vital installations within the base.

Medal of Honor Citation

HARTSOCK, ROBERT W.

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 44th Infantry Platoon, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, 23 February 1969.
Entered service at: Fairmont, W. Va.
Born: 24 January 1945, Cumberland, Md.

Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Hartsock distinguished himself in action while serving as section leader with the 44th Infantry Platoon. When the Dau Tieng Base Camp came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, S/Sgt. Hartsock and his platoon commander spotted an enemy sapper squad which had infiltrated the camp undetected. Realizing the enemy squad was heading for the brigade tactical operations center and nearby prisoner compound, they concealed themselves and, although heavily outnumbered, awaited the approach of the hostile soldiers. When the enemy was almost upon them, S/Sgt. Hartsock and his platoon commander opened fire on the squad. As a wounded enemy soldier fell, he managed to detonate a satchel charge he was carrying. S/Sgt. Hartsock, with complete disregard for his life, threw himself on the charge and was gravely wounded. In spite of his wounds, S/Sgt. Hartsock crawled about 5 meters to a ditch and provided heavy suppressive fire, completely pinning down the enemy and allowing his commander to seek shelter. S/Sgt. Hartsock continued his deadly stream of fire until he succumbed to his wounds. S/Sgt. Hartsock’s extraordinary heroism and profound concern for the lives of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.