By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Robert H. Carroll

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:   Captain, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  12 March 1968,  Republic of Vietnam

Reason:  For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:  Captain Carroll distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1968 as an infantry company commander during a search and destroy mission in the vicinity of Lai A, Quang Tri Province.  His reconnaissance platoon came under heavy attack by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army element.  Captain Carroll immediately organized a relief force and led it across a thousand meters of open terrain completely exposed to enemy gunners and artillery.  Reaching his beleaguered troops, he found that both the platoon leader and platoon sergeant were casualties and quickly re-established order and confidence.  With complete disregard for his safety, Captain Carroll maneuvered from man to man through a barrage of North Vietnamese artillery and mortars to inform each soldier of his rapidly devised withdrawal plan.  The enemy launched a ground attack before his troops could break contact, but it was sucessfully repulsed.  Captain Carroll then signaled to start the withdrawal and exposed himself to a renewed hostile bombardment to direct his men's movement.  As he moved among them he was mortally wounded by an exploding enemy mortar round.  Captain Carroll 's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.