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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General Ngo Quang Truong, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, for gallantry in action against the enemy in connection with the defeat of the VC/NVA TET offensive in Hue, Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Commanding General, 1st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, 31 January through 25 February 1968, General Truong led his forces to a decisive victory by his gallant leadership, personal example, and great courage while in constant close contact with the enemy. On 31 January 1968, General Truong rallied the clerical and service personnel on duty at Division Headquarters and personally directed them in repelling repeated attacks by two enemy battalions throughout the day. His calm manner and inspiring leadership were essential to the maintenance of the defense by inexperienced and lightly equipped personnel during the attacks. General Truong’s actions during the day were often performed under intense enemy machine gun and rifle fire from less than 100 meter’s range. General Truong’s personal bravery, leadership, and gallantry were marked by great distinction and were directly responsible for the successful defense of his headquarters in the preservation of this essential Army of the Republic of Vietnam control headquarters during the most critical phase of the TET offensive. As the battle progressed, General Truong continued to distinguish himself by the most intrepid and inspiring leadership of his outnumbered forces in the citadel. By astute deployments, General Truong achieved tactical superiority in one area of the citadel at a time and completely cleared it on 25 February. His tactical daring was typified by a surprise attack by small forces on 24 February to seize the Imperial Palace, thus avoiding damage to this national shrine and bringing an end to the effective the resistance. Under General Truong’s brilliant guidance, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam forces accounted for 2,642 confirmed enemy killed, 33 enemy captured, and 810 enemy weapons captured. General Truong’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of both the United States and Republic of Vietnam military services and reflect great credit upon himself, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, and the Free World military assistance forces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    Army of the Republic of Vietnam

    Action Date:

    March 30, 1970
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 32 (August 3, 1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major General Ngo Quang Truong, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 30 March 1970 while flying a visual reconnaissance mission in the vicinity of Camp Carol, I Corps Tactical Zone. Upon receipt of intelligence information of an enemy build up in the area northwest of Camp Carol, General Truong flew a reconnaissance mission over the area under the most adverse weather conditions. Because of the gathering fog and the increasing darkness, the helicopter flew at a dangerously low altitude and received sporadic small arms fire on the way. Receiving an urgent medical evacuation request from an area of intense fighting, General Truong landed at Camp Carol and sent the helicopter to evacuate the wounded while he established communications with his subordinates in the area. As soon as the helicopter completed the mission, General Truong quickly took off in complete darkness to fly over the battle area. He personally directed his subordinates in a counterattack and controlled aerial rocket artillery and artillery support. General Truong’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.