Robert Martin Patterson

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Robert Martin Patterson
Born April 16, 1948 (1948-04-16) (age 60)

Army Medal of Honor
Place of birth Durham, North Carolina
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Command Sergeant Major
Unit 17th Cavalry Regiment
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards Medal of Honor

Robert Martin Patterson (born April 16, 1948) is a retired United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

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[edit] Biography

Patterson joined the Army from Raleigh, North Carolina, and by May 6, 1968 was serving as a specialist fourth class in Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment. During a firefight on that day, near La Chu in the Republic of Vietnam, Patterson single-handedly destroyed a series of enemy bunkers. For his actions during the battle, he was awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted to Sergeant.

Patterson reached the Army's highest enlisted rank, command sergeant major, before retiring.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Sergeant Patterson's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Patterson (then Spec.) distinguished himself while serving as a fire team leader of the 3d Platoon, Troop B, during an assault against a North Vietnamese Army battalion which was entrenched in a heavily fortified position. When the leading squad of the 3d Platoon was pinned down by heavy interlocking automatic weapon and rocket propelled grenade fire from 2 enemy bunkers, Sgt. Patterson and the 2 other members of his assault team moved forward under a hail of enemy fire to destroy the bunkers with grenade and machinegun fire. Observing that his comrades were being fired on from a third enemy bunker covered by enemy gunners in l-man spider holes, Sgt. Patterson, with complete disregard for his safety and ignoring the warning of his comrades that he was moving into a bunker complex, assaulted and destroyed the position. Although exposed to intensive small arm and grenade fire from the bunkers and their mutually supporting emplacements. Sgt. Patterson continued his assault upon the bunkers which were impeding the advance of his unit. Sgt. Patterson single-handedly destroyed by rifle and grenade fire 5 enemy bunkers, killed 8 enemy soldiers and captured 7 weapons. His dauntless courage and heroism inspired his platoon to resume the attack and to penetrate the enemy defensive position. Sgt. Patterson's action at the risk of his life has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

[edit] See also

United States Army Portal

[edit] References