Robert W. Hartsock

Defending Dau Tieng after absorbing a satchel blast

Robert Willard Hartsock earned the Medal of Honor at Dau Tieng Base Camp, South Vietnam, on February 23, 1969. A staff sergeant and section leader in the 44th Infantry Platoon (Scout Dog), 25th Infantry Division, he and his platoon commander intercepted enemy soldiers who had infiltrated the camp.

When a wounded attacker detonated a satchel charge, Hartsock covered it with his body. Gravely wounded, he crawled to a ditch and continued firing, allowing his commander to reach shelter. He died of his wounds.

Born in Cumberland, Maryland, on January 24, 1945, Hartsock received the medal posthumously. President Richard M. Nixon presented it to his family on August 6, 1970. He is buried at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery in Flintstone, Maryland.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Hartsock distinguished himself in action while serving as section leader with the 44th Infantry Platoon. When the Dau Tieng Base Camp came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, S/Sgt. Hartsock and his platoon commander spotted an enemy sapper squad which had infiltrated the camp undetected. Realizing the enemy squad was heading for the brigade tactical operations center and nearby prisoner compound, they concealed themselves and, although heavily outnumbered, awaited the approach of the enemy soldiers. When the enemy was almost upon them, S/Sgt. Hartsock and his platoon commander opened fire on the squad. As a wounded enemy soldier fell, he managed to detonate a satchel charge he was carrying. S/Sgt. Hartsock, with complete disregard for his life, threw himself on the charge and was gravely wounded. In spite of his wounds, SSgt. Hartsock crawled about five meters to a ditch and provided heavy suppressive fire, completely pinning down the enemy and allowing his commander to seek shelter. S/Sgt. Hartsock continued his deadly stream of fire until he succumbed to his wounds. S/Sgt. Hartsock's extraordinary heroism and profound concern for the lives of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.