Post by magnum on Oct 3, 2019 0:10:30 GMT
When his Long-Range Recon Patrol (LRRP) team made contact deep behind enemy lines, Staff Sergeant Charles J. Holland remained behind repeatedly to fight off the enemy and allow his team to make it to the extraction site. As they reached the bottom of the hill near the LZ, one of the LRRPs discovered their radio had been left behind. SSgt Holland directed his team to the chopper while he charged back up the hill, firing his weapon to draw the enemy away from the extraction.
SSgt Holland's body was recovered the following day. He had the radio on him. Spent brass surrounded him. Blood trails and drag marks around the area revealed his affect on several enemy soldiers before he succumbed to his wounds. For his heroic stand saving the rest of his team, SSgt Holland was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
"...serving with Troop E, 17th Cavalry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Holland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 August 1967... During the first few hours after landing, the team located more than 25 foxholes, only 2 to 3 weeks old. The following morning they established an observation point from which they could watch both nearby Highway 14 and a known enemy trail a short distance away. The observation point, located on the side of a hill, was well concealed by the vegetation, but permitted an unobstructed view. A short time later, 21 Viet Cong were observed moving along the trail. After calling for artillery fire, voices and movement were heard to their rear and they were assaulted by intense enemy automatic weapons fire, hand grenades and M-79 grenade launcher fire. Sergeant Holland immediately returned fire but, realizing the extreme danger to his men, ordered the team to withdraw from the area. He remained behind to provide cover fire for his men, several times overtaking them only long enough to give additional instructions. When all the men had safely reached the bottom of the hill, it was noted that the radio had been left behind. Completely disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Holland charged back up the hill, firing his weapon in order to draw the enemy fire from his men. As a result of his gallant actions, it was possible for the remainder of the team to be safely extracted from their vulnerable position. The following day, Sergeant Holland's lifeless body was found a short distance from the point of initial contact. Because he was wearing part of the equipment which had been left behind, it was determined that he had reached the observation post and was overtaken by the enemy force while attempting to return to his men. From an examination of the area in which his body was found, it was discovered that he had valiantly fought the enemy until he was overcome."
IF THIS IS YOUR FAVOURIT FORUM TOO! Post your opinion below PLS. Your gun friends in here like to know!