Paul F. Gorman

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Paul F. Gorman (0-62379), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Gorman distinguished himself from 25 to 27 August 1966 while two battalions were on a mission to secure Highway 16 for passage of a large re-supply convoy. When a fifteen-man patrol inadvertently advanced into a Viet Cong base camp and came under intense enemy fire, an entire battalion was committed to their assistance. Lieutenant colonel Gorman prepared his battalion for battle and, upon request, sent his lead company to the relief of the engaged battalion. As the casualties mounted during the intensity of the battle, the acting battalion commander and several other key officers were killed. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lieutenant Colonel Gorman committed his second company and assumed command of the combined battalions. His aggressive and courageous leadership turned the tide of battle in favor of the American forces. Later when two companies from a third battalion, separated from their commander, joined the encounter, Lieutenant Colonel Gorman assumed command of these units as well. His presence became the unifying force which transformed the divergent efforts of all these companies into a strong unified command. As the battle progressed into darkness, Lieutenant Colonel Gorman repeatedly exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire and personally inspected his troops, readjusted battle positions and organized the defense for the remainder of the night. At dawn the next day, Lieutenant Colonel Gorman called in artillery and air strikes on insurgent positions to within 50 meters of his own lines. Although one napalm container was accidentally dropped on his command post, burning him and several others. Lieutenant Colonel Gorman, with complete disregard for his personal safety, continued to direct close-in air strikes until the Viet Cong force withdrew. Through his professional knowledge, composure under conditions of great physical and mental stress, and inspired leadership during critical combat conditions, Lieutenant Colonel Gorman brought discipline, organization and command to eight companies of three battalions. Through his courage and determination under fire, he minimized the friendly casualties and contributed immeasurably to the eventual success of the mission. Lieutenant Colonel Gorman’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.