Ronald J. Soppe

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ronald J. Soppe (US54928149), Specialist Fourth Class, 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 A, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Soppe distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 September 1968 while serving as a medical aidman during an enemy assault on the Ben Cui rubber plantation. His company was attacked at its night logger location by an estimated enemy battalion. Specialist Soppe immediately began moving from position to position under the aggressors’ barrage of antitank rocket, machine gun and small arms fire, searching for casualties and administering first aid. When a nearby armored vehicle was set on fire by a direct hit, he ran to the track and quickly extinguished the blaze. Attempting to reach an injured comrade, he was severely wounded in the arm by fragments from an enemy rocket. Disregarding his own welfare, he continued on to the wounded man, treated him and carried him to a safe position. Despite his painful wound, Specialist Soppe constantly exposed himself to hostile fire as he went to the aid of six other injured soldiers. Alter the battle, he helped load the wounded on a helicopter and remained behind in case of a second assault. Specialist Four Soppe’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. 5845 (December 26, 1968)