The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Bernard Cronin (ASN: 0-50787), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period May 1966 to April 1967, while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Cronin guided the battalion from its activation and training to its deployment in the combat zone. His enthusiasm and inspiration overcame complex problems during the hectic period of expansion, deployment and entry into combat. Approximately two months prior to deployment, the unit was reorganized as a mechanized battalion. In an incredibly short time Colonel Cronin reorganized and re-equipped the unit facilitating its initial combat success upon engaging the enemy. Operating from several base camps and rapidly moving from one area to another, he participated in three large-scale highly effective operations against the Viet Cong. Through perseverance, initiative and able leadership, he contributed materially to the counterinsurgency effort. On 28 April 1967 Colonel Cronin gave his life while performing the tasks required of a Commander. His outstanding achievements and professional competence were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
–
Born:
,
Home:
,
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
47th Infantry RegimentDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 1966 – April 1967
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
47th Infantry RegimentDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 27, 1967
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 1406 (May 26, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Bernard Cronin (ASN: 0-50787), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Cronin distinguished himself on 27 April 1967 while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a combat mission against an enemy force in the jungles of Vietnam. As the Brigade Command Group proceeded on a trail en route to a landing zone and an awaiting helicopter, they suddenly came under a heavy concentration of automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Without regard for personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel Cronin gallantly exposed himself to the deadly enemy fire as he advanced toward the hostile positions in order to better assess the situation and determine what necessary actions were needed to combat the Viet Cong force. Throughout the ensuing battle, Lieutenant Colonel Cronin remained under constant enemy observation and fire as he courageously directed his men during a fierce assault on the hostile positions. It was during this gallant assault that Lieutenant Colonel Cronin was mortally wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Cronin’s extreme courage and resolution of purpose inspired his men to new heights of confidence and contributed significantly to the repelling of the enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Cronin’s leadership and extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.