MOH Poxon

1LT Robert L. Poxon*

Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division

Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 June 1969

Entered service at: Detroit, Michigan

Born: 3 January 1947, Detroit, Michigan

 

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1LT Poxon, Armor, Troop B, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader on a reconnaissance mission. Landing by helicopter in an area suspected of being occupied by the enemy, the platoon came under intense fire from enemy Soldiers in concealed positions and fortifications around the landing zone. A Soldier fell, hit by the first burst of fire. 1LT Poxon dashed to his aid, drawing the majority of the enemy fire as he crossed 20 meters of open ground. The fallen Soldier was beyond help and 1LT Poxon was seriously and painfully wounded. 1LT Poxon, with indomitable courage, refused medical aid and evacuation and turned his attention to seizing the initiative from the enemy. With sure instinct he marked a central enemy bunker as the key to success. Quickly instructing his men to concentrate their fire on the bunker, and in spite of his wound, 1LT Poxon crawled toward the bunker, readied a hand grenade and charged. He was hit again but continued his assault. After succeeding in silencing the enemy guns in the bunker he was struck once again by enemy fire and fell, mortally wounded. 1LT Poxon’s comrades followed their leader, pressed the attack and drove the enemy from their positions. 1LT Poxon’s gallantry, indomitable will, and courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

*Awarded posthumously

On 16 February 1971, President Nixon presented 1LT Poxon’s Medal of Honor to his parents at the White House.  1LT Poxon is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan.

The Medal of Honor

Description: A gold five pointed star, each point tipped with trefoils, 1½ inches wide, surrounded by a green laurel wreath and suspended from a gold bar inscribed “VALOR”, surmounted by an eagle.  In the center of the star, Minerva’s head surrounded by the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”  On each ray of the star is a green oak leaf.  On the reverse is a bar engraved “THE CONGRESS TO” with a space for engraving the name of the recipient.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society web page: https://www.cmohs.org/
History of the Medal of Honor: https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/history.html
Medal of Honor – The History (A Vimeo Video Documentary Rivr Digital): https://vimeo.com/100896594

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Public Request for Division Assets (Band/Horse Cav Detachment/Honor Guard)

Need to request a Division asset: the Band, Horse CAV Detachment, or Honor Guard? Fill out the provided DD Form 2536 and email it to: SFC Kristin M. Chandler at usarmy.hood.1-cd.mbx.1cd-division-comrel@mail.mil.  If you have any questions about filling out the form call SFC Chandler at 254-288-2601. DD2536 Asset Request Form