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VALOROUS UNIT AWARD
Presented to
Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division
Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division distinguished itself by extraordinary heroism while engaged in military operation on 31 January 1968 in defense of the Bien Hoa air base in the Republic of Vietnam. Given the extremely hazardous mission of traveling along enemy infested Highway 1 to the besieged airfield, the cavalrymen were the object of three well coordinated and effectively executed enemy ambushes along the route. The determined Viet Cong assailants directed deadly fires of anti-tank rockets, automatic weapons and small arms at the troopers from point blank range. With indomitable courage and relentless determination, the black knights repelled all attacks by saturating the area with devastating machine gun, grenade and rifle fire. When the men of Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division reached their final objective, they moved out on a sweep of the area. A short time later, they clashed with two reinforced companies of Viet Cong and, although fighting seemingly insurmountable odds, the troops refused to leave their positions, killing their communists aggressors at close range. Through their unswerving perseverance, exemplary bravery and tactical proficiency, the troop's members contributed immeasurably to the successful defense of the Bien Hoa air base. The men of Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division, displayed extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty which are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect distinct credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Leo B. Jones
Brigadier General, U. S. Army
Chief of Staff
General Order 5748, 17 December 1968