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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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Karl Lee Bullard (ASN: 0-5338597), United States Army, for gallantry action. First Lieutenant Bullard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 May 1968, while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On the above date, Company B came upon a North Vietnamese force of estimated company size, well entrenched in a hedgerow near Bong Son. Lieutenant Bullard’s element was lead platoon and was approximately one hundred meters behind the company’s recon squad. In the initial enemy burst, two members of the recon squad and several members of Lieutenant Bullard’s platoon were wounded. Lieutenant Bullard recognized the seriousness of the situation and immediately began to direct the fire of the members of his platoon on the hedgerow. He himself remained in an open area in front of his platoon, exposing himself to the incoming fire in order to set the example for his men. He then went forward with a few troopers to recover the wounded men who had been with the recon squad. Although the fire of the entire enemy company was concentrated on the open area between his platoon and recon squad, he advanced without any thought for his personal safety. Lieutenant Bullard continued to move forward until he was seriously wounded by the enemy fire. As a result of his heroic efforts, members of his platoon succeed their withdrawal. Lieutenant Bullard’s gallant actions and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade

    Action Date:

    May 5, 1968
    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3765 (August 2, 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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Karl Lee Bullard (ASN: 0-5338597), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. First Lieutenant Bullard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 May 1968 as an infantry platoon leader. A reinforced Viet Cong company launched a violent attack on his company’s position near Bong Son. Throughout the attack, Lieutenant Bullard moved from one position to another along the perimeter, directing the fire of his men. When the attack had been repulsed, he called for volunteers to move outside the perimeter with him to recover a friendly squad which was isolated, surrounded and under attack. Lieutenant Bullard was wounded in the leg during the maneuver but refused to stop for medical treatment. When his troops reached the squad, he directed them in laying down a base of fire to cover the withdrawal. After insuring that all the beleaguered element’s members had returned to safety, he moved out again to rescue a second isolated squad. Lieutenant Bullard advanced across two hundred meters of enemy controlled terrain before he contacted the surrounded element. When he arrived, he found that all the men in the squad had been wounded and the position was still receiving intense fire. The enemy then mounted a massive ground assault. Several of the Viet Cong fell at Lieutenant Bullard’s feet as he directed the fire of his men which succeeded in repulsing the attack. While returning to the company perimeter, he personally killed two more insurgents. When the second squad had been brought to safety, Lieutenant Bullard left the perimeter a third time to recover a radio and machine gun which his men had been forced to leave behind. Lieutenant Bullard was personally responsible for inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and for saving the lives of twelve American soldiers. First Lieutenant Bullard’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.