Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1968

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5028 (October 29, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Lester Gene Kopsolias (ASN: US-67154480), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Private First Class Kopsolias distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 July 1968 while serving as the driver of an armored personnel carrier during a mounted sweep through a rubber plantation near Loc Ninh. His troop was engaged by a North Vietnamese Army company firing small arms, automatic weapons and anti-tank rockets. Private Kopsolias directed his vehicle in a counter assault on the attacking force, taking the lead when the sole track in front of him was hit and totally disabled. Two enemy rockets detonated against his carrier, wounding everyone inside. Private Kopsolias called for a medic and together they removed the seriously injured commander, gave him first aid and then carried him over a hundred meters to an evacuation vehicle. Completely disregarding his safety, Private Kopsolias then returned to his track and for more than twenty minutes defended it alone by constantly firing his fifty caliber machine gun into the enemy positions. When twenty-five North Vietnamese soldiers began an assault on his position he fired the gun into their midst, slaying several and dispersing the rest. He took complete command of the vehicle when replacements were sent to aid him. Despite another wound received when the track was again hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, he remained in charge until the battle ended. Private First Class Kopsolias’ 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.