Medal of Honor

Citation:

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Leslie Poxon (ASN: 0-5261161), United States Army (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon leader with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces during a reconnaissance mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 June 1969. Landing by helicopter in an area suspected of being occupied by the enemy, First Lieutenant Poxon's platoon came under intense fire from enemy soldiers in concealed positions and fortifications around the landing zone. A soldier fell, hit by the first burst of fire. First Lieutenant Poxon dashed to his aid, drawing the majority of the enemy fire as he crossed 20 meters of open ground. The fallen soldier was beyond help and First Lieutenant Poxon was seriously and painfully wounded. First Lieutenant Poxon, with indomitable courage, refused medical aid and evacuation and turned his attention to seizing the initiative from the enemy. With sure instinct he marked a central enemy bunker as the key to success. Quickly instructing his men to concentrate their fire on the bunker, and in spite of his wound, First Lieutenant Poxon crawled toward the bunker, readied a hand grenade and charged. He was hit again but continued his assault. After succeeding in silencing the enemy guns in the bunker he was struck once again by enemy fire and fell, mortally wounded. First Lieutenant Poxon's comrades followed their leader, pressed the attack and drove the enemy from their positions. First Lieutenant Poxon's gallantry, indomitable will, and courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 6 (March 9, 1971)

Action Date: 2-Jun-69

Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: Troop B, 1st Squadron

Regiment: 9th Cavalry Regiment

Division: 1st Cavalry Division

Image and information courtesy of Capt. Allan L. Henderson