Post by Anonymous Vet on Dec 13, 2002 11:37:09 GMT -5
Transcribed from a copy of the original, his citation orders read:
HEADQUARTERS
4TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO San Francisco 96262
GENERAL ORDERS 1 September 1967
NUMBER 2817
AWARD OF THE AIR MEDAL FOR HEROISM
1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced:
HARTON, RAYMOND A -------- CAPTAIN ARTILLERY United States Army
HH & S Btry, 6th Bn, 29th Arty, 4th Inf Div, APO 96265
Awarded: Air Medal with "V" Device (1st Oak Leaf Cluster)
Date action: 22 March 1967
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For heroism while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 March 1967 Captain Harton distinguished himself
while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer from the 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery, attached to an
infantry in contact with a battalion size force of North Vietnamese Regulars near the Cambodian
border. As the battle progressed, a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol was spotted two hundred
meters from the heart of the conflict. Although his aircraft sustained numerous hits, he successfully
extracted the patrol and returned it to safety. As MEDEVAC helicopters began arriving, Captain
Harton led them into the landing zone and provided cover fire for them. Again his aircraft sustained
several hits. He returned to the refueling point to assess the damage. Determining that the heli-
copter was safe to fly, he began shuttling emergency supplies to his comrades. The "dustoff" heli-
copters were still utilizing the only landing zone and consequently, Captain Harton had to hover directly
above the battlefield, completely exposing himself to sniper fire as he lowered ammunition and water
by rope to the waiting troops below. He remained in this position until the ground units were
completely resupplied. Captain Harton's capable supervision, calm judgement and demonstrated
courage throughout this mission were instrumental to the defeat of the enemy. His brave actions are
in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great on himself, his unit and the
United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of Executive Order 9158, 11 May 1942, as
amended by Executive Order 9242-A, 11 September 1942
FOR THE COMMANDER:
OFFICIAL: PAT W. CRIZER
LTC, GS
- signed - Acting Chief of Staff
B. H. HYLAN
CPT, AGC
Asst AG
members.tripod.com/~msg_fisher/cite-18.html
HEADQUARTERS
4TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO San Francisco 96262
GENERAL ORDERS 1 September 1967
NUMBER 2817
AWARD OF THE AIR MEDAL FOR HEROISM
1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced:
HARTON, RAYMOND A -------- CAPTAIN ARTILLERY United States Army
HH & S Btry, 6th Bn, 29th Arty, 4th Inf Div, APO 96265
Awarded: Air Medal with "V" Device (1st Oak Leaf Cluster)
Date action: 22 March 1967
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For heroism while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 March 1967 Captain Harton distinguished himself
while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer from the 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery, attached to an
infantry in contact with a battalion size force of North Vietnamese Regulars near the Cambodian
border. As the battle progressed, a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol was spotted two hundred
meters from the heart of the conflict. Although his aircraft sustained numerous hits, he successfully
extracted the patrol and returned it to safety. As MEDEVAC helicopters began arriving, Captain
Harton led them into the landing zone and provided cover fire for them. Again his aircraft sustained
several hits. He returned to the refueling point to assess the damage. Determining that the heli-
copter was safe to fly, he began shuttling emergency supplies to his comrades. The "dustoff" heli-
copters were still utilizing the only landing zone and consequently, Captain Harton had to hover directly
above the battlefield, completely exposing himself to sniper fire as he lowered ammunition and water
by rope to the waiting troops below. He remained in this position until the ground units were
completely resupplied. Captain Harton's capable supervision, calm judgement and demonstrated
courage throughout this mission were instrumental to the defeat of the enemy. His brave actions are
in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great on himself, his unit and the
United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of Executive Order 9158, 11 May 1942, as
amended by Executive Order 9242-A, 11 September 1942
FOR THE COMMANDER:
OFFICIAL: PAT W. CRIZER
LTC, GS
- signed - Acting Chief of Staff
B. H. HYLAN
CPT, AGC
Asst AG
members.tripod.com/~msg_fisher/cite-18.html