Vesa JUHANI Alakulppi

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Vesa Juhani Alakulppi (0-98573), Captain, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 14 May 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer, Company C, 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Alakulppi was in command of a ready reaction force consisting of one rifle platoon and a mortar section providing security for a large two-company base camp when an unknown-size Viet Cong force attacked the perimeter with automatic weapons, small arms and rocket fire. Reacting immediately, Captain Alakulppi rallied his men to halt the enemy’s advance. Realizing that, because of adverse weather conditions air support was not available, Captain Alakulppi repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire in order to direct supporting artillery fire close to his company’s position. During the savage battle, without regard for his personal safety, he continually moved about the perimeter, encouraging his men and directing their fire. Realizing that his unit was isolated from friendly reinforcements, Captain Alakulppi continued to provide dynamic and aggressive leadership in the valiant defense of the base camp until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his courageous actions, he inspired his men to grater efforts and enabled them to bring maximum suppressive fire against the Viet Cong force and repel the enemy attack. Captain Alakulppi’s exceptional 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, II Field Force, Vietnam, General Orders No. 601 (June 30, 1968)