Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SSG 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, SSG 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, SSG 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. SSG Hartsock, with complete disregard for his life, threw himself on the charge and was gravely wounded. In spite of his wounds, SSG 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. SSG Hartsock continued his deadly stream of fire until he succumbed to his wounds. SSG 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. Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 44th Infantry Platoon Scout Dog, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Hau Nghia, Province, Republic of Vietnam, 23 February 1969.
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SSG 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, SSG 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, SSG 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. SSG Hartsock, with complete disregard for his life, threw himself on the charge and was gravely wounded. In spite of his wounds, SSG 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. SSG Hartsock continued his deadly stream of fire until he succumbed to his wounds. SSG 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. Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 44th Infantry Platoon Scout Dog, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Hau Nghia, Province, Republic of Vietnam, 23 February 1969.
Bio by: Vincent
Inscription
ROBERT W HARTSOCK
MEDAL OF HONOR
SSG US ARMY
VIETNAM
JAN 24 1945
FEB 23 1969
BRONZE STAR
PURPLE HEART
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