Distinguished Service Cross

Tonsetic, Robert L.

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army Company C 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th LIB

Place and Date: Republic of Vietnam, 31 January 1968

Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Captain Tonsetic distingushed himself by exceptionally valorous action on 31 January 1968 as commander of an infantry company on a combat mission near Ho Nai. While leading his men through the village, his point squad encountered the forward elements of a large Viet Cong unit which was preparing to attach the United States' 199th Infantry Brigade base camp. Braving heavy enemy fire, he moved forward to direct artillery fire to within fifty meters of his troops' position. He then called helicopter gunships. As they spewed their deadly fire upon the enemy, he exposed himself to ricocheting small arms fire and rocket shrapnel to locate and bring firepower on additional hostile positions. Captain Tonsetic then personally led an assault on the enemy, inspiring his men to move forward under the barrage of enemy fire. The Viet Cong attacked the advancing force with mortars. Captain Tonsetic engaged the enemy mortars with a massive volley of all availabe grenade fire and destroyed the position. He then maneuvered to close with the insurgents in a creek bed. After an hour-long battle, the enemy withdrew, and the friendly force established a defensive perimeter. The enemy counterattached from three sides. Captain Tonsetic skillfully deployed his maneuver elements and adjusted tactical air strikes and supporting artillery fire on the assaulting insurgents. His fearless leadership inspired his men to fight furiously and successfully repel the Viet Cong. Captain Tonsetic's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Authority: By direction of the President under provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.