Below is the recommendation letter for my Dads Silver Star Medal he received in Vietnam. This is the 2nd highest medal given in the military, It tells the story of how he earned it. I wrote to the veterans records Dept and they sent it to me. He never once even mentioned he had it much less the story behind it. He died from Agent Orange related Emphysema and other health problems in 2011. I cried my eyes out the first time I read it. He was a tough mutha. Man I miss him. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Headquarters, America1 Division APO San Francisco 96374 GENERAL ORDERS 20 October 1970 NUMBER-13942 AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR To 439. The following AWARD is announced. STOGSDILL, RALPH J., 227-66-1975, SPECIALIST FOUR Company B, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry, America1 Division, APO 96374 Awarded: Silver Star Date of service: 16 September 1970 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918. Reason: For gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Stogsdill distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 16 September 1970 while serving as a Squad Leader with Company B, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry. On that date, the company was conducting a combat patrol when it was assaulted by an unknown size enemy force. In the initial hostile attack, the friendly element sustained several severe casualties pinned down in an open area. Reacting immediately to the urgency of the situation, Specialist Stogsdill, without hesitation, moved forward into a clearing in order to draw the enemy’s fire away from his fallen comrades and enable a medical aidman to reach the wounded personnel. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he remained in his vulnerable position. Ignoring his painful wounds suffered in the enemy barrage, Specialist Stogsdill denied himself medical attention in order to assist in providing security for a medical evacuation helicopter until his fellow soldiers were placed aboard. After boarding the evacuation helicopter, he continued to brave the hostile gunfire in order to assist the door gunner in effectively suppressing the enemy fire until the aircraft cleared the area. Through his timely and courageous actions, Specialist Stogsdill was responsible for saving the lives of several wounded comrades and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. His personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the America1 Division, and the United States Army.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 14:29:19 +0000