Robert L. Towles

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 9 July 1918 (amended by act of 25 July 1963), has awarded the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Robert L. Towles, United States Army, for gallantry: in action against the enemy on 6 October 1965 in the Vinh Thanh Valley, Republic of South Vietnam, while serving as a gunner in the Anti-tank Platoon of Delta Company, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). During Operation White Pigeon, unarmed friendly forces came under enemy small arms fire from a hillside on the opposite bank of a river. Specialist Fourth Class Towles immediately crossed the barren, fire-swept shore in order to retrieve his 160mm recoilless rifle in the vehicle park. Although arriving alone in a safe location, he remained determined to engage the enemy firing on his unarmed comrades. He again crossed the fire-swept shore and positioned his gun jeep near the water’s edge. Ignoring the enemy small arms fire directed at him, he loaded the 106mm recoilless rifle with a high explosive round and repeatedly fired, forcing an enemy infantryman from his hiding place. Once the enemy revealed himself, Specialist Fourth Class Towles fired the main charge, striking the moving soldier. Specialist Fourth Class Robert L. Towles reloaded his weapon and remained on watch until all members of his company had safely left the area. The gallantry displayed by Specialist Fourth Class Towles was in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), and the United States Army.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Four Robert L. Towles, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, Specialist Four Robert L. Towles distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action at Landing Zone Albany on 17 November 1965. During the course of an overland march, a numerically superior enemy force initiated contact with a heavy mortar barrage and struck from well-concealed positions cutting through the battalion’s line of march. Disregarding his wounds and own personal safety, Specialist Four Towles unhesitatingly exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire and singlehandedly attacked and disabled an enemy machine gun position. Stunned by the assault, enemy troops momentarily broke contact and fled, enabling the beleaguered troops to withdraw and evacuate their casualties. Specialist Four Towles returned and led his comrades toward the battalion’s defensive position and continued to hold back enemy troops until all of the wounded had been extracted. On arrival in the perimeter, he took an active role in the battalion’s defense and proved instrumental in repelling two major enemy assaults on the position. Though surrounded by enemy forces, Specialist Four Towles volunteered to leave the battalion’s defensive perimeter and go into a contested battle area to retrieve tactical radios left behind. Specialist Four Towles’ extraordinary heroism, indomitable courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon  himself, the 1st Cavalry Division and the United States Army.