Robert A. George

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert A. George, First Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. First Lieutenant George distinguished himself while serving as first platoon leader during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near the Ho Bo Woods in Binh Doung Province. Amid intense enemy fire during contact with a hostile force, Lieutenant George went to the assistance of a disabled armored cavalry assault vehicle. Mounting the burning vehicle, he began to place machine gun fire on the enemy positions in order to cover the crew’s withdrawal. While he was returning fire, a rocket propelled grenade struck the vehicle and exploded, knocking him into the crew compartment with a painful fragmentation wound in his right eye. Although without vision in one eye and in great pain, Lieutenant George returned to his vehicle, braving small arms fire, and withdrew his elements so that artillery fire could be placed on the enemy. He refused medical evacuation and accepted only first aid treatment and remained in the battle. When his troops commander was seriously wounded, Lieutenant George assumed command and led a successful assault on the hostile positions. As a result of his actions, G Troop defeated the enemy in battle and friendly casualties were kept to a minimum. First Lieutenant George’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2264-411 (June 29, 1971)