Lester Armstrong

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lester Armstrong (RA55646856), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Sergeant Armstrong distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 November 1966 while serving as squad leader of a unit during a search and destroy mission near Tay Ninh. While moving forward to augment the fire of another American unit, his platoon became pinned down by the fire of a Viet Cong machine gun emplacement. As the platoon maneuvered, six insurgents flanked them and stopped their assault. At this time, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Armstrong grabbed a machine gun and charged directly into the intense hostile fire. Although wounded, he increased his fire and killed the six protecting the bunker. He then attacked the machine gun bunker, killing three insurgents. Through his courage, his unit advanced without further casualties. Sergeant Armstrong’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. 6880 (December 16, 1966)