HEADQUARTERS

UNITED STATES ARMY VIETNAM

APO SAN FRANCISCO 96375

GENERAL ORDERS

NUMBER 4704                                                                                    16 September 1967

AWARD OF THE VALOROUS UNIT AWARD

1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced.

Awarded: Valorous Unit Award

Date action: 2 August 1966 to 3 August 1966

Theater: Republic of Vietnam

Reason: COMPANY A, 2^ND BATTALION, 35^TH INFANTRY distinguished itself by extraordinary heroism while engaged in military operations on 2 and 3 August 1966 during Operation PAUL REVERE II in Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam. While searching an area of previous hostile contact south of the Ia Drang River, this company suddenly engaged a North Vietnamese Army battalion. Intense mortar and machine gun fire quickly inflicted many casualties and the men were forced to dig into defensive positions within a small perimeter. Many of the wounded who could still fire were placed on the perimeter to help repulse the enemy’s human wave attacks. Aided by mortar, artillery and air strikes, the gallant men of COMPANY A, 2ND BATTALION, 35TH INFANTRY dauntlessly manned their tenuous positions and inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents, forcing them to abandon their attack. Despite continuing probes by hostile elements, the besieged company prepared a helicopter landing zone; however, medical evacuation and supply aircraft were driven off by enemy fire. soon after the arrival of friendly reinforcements, the fanatic North Vietnamese mounted another wave assault, which was thwarted with the help of massive mortar and artillery support. Throughout the night the men repulsed repeated probes and received small arms and mortar fire. Although they had suffered numerous casualties early in the battle, they valiantly defended their small perimeter and inflicted severe losses in men and equipment on the enemy. The men of COMPANY A, 2^ND BATTALION, 35^TH INFANTRY, displayed extraordinary heroism and devotion To duty which were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service And reflect distinct credit upon them and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Authority: By direction of the Secretary of the Army under the provisions of paragraph 202. 1, AR 672-5-1.