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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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Earl Dobrinska (ASN: 0-5337688), 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, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Second Lieutenant Dobrinska distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 February 1968 as a platoon leader of an airmobile infantry company on a combat mission near Than Bon Pho. His unit had successfully obtained two objectives of its three goal assault, and Lieutenant Dobrinska, realizing the importance of the momentum of his platoon’s attack, continued charging the hostile emplacements. His platoon sustained several casualties and he repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire as he personally carried the casualties to safety. He then returned to his unit leading the attack against the well entrenched insurgents. As his platoon was temporarily driven back, he pulled two more wounded soldiers to a covered position. Twice more he led his men forward, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy forces, only to be forced to withdraw each time by the intensity of the hostile fire. Disregarding his personal safety, Lieutenant Dobrinska then single-handedly charged the enemy automatic weapons position blocking his unit’s advance and succeeded in destroying it. During this assault, he was mortally wounded, but his courageous actions enabled his unit to seize the final objective and permitted the quick evacuation of the injured personnel. Second Lieutenant Dobrinska’s 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    12th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    February 4, 1968
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 2694 (May 1, 1968)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Earl Dobrinska (ASN: 0-5337688), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Dobrinska distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 4 February 1968, while serving as a platoon leader with Company B, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry during a combat mission near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and sustained several casualties, Lieutenant Dobrinska exposed himself to the hostile fire as he led a successful assault against the enemy positions. His courageous action inflicted numerous casualties on the hostile force and contributed greatly to the successful completion of the unit’s mission. Lieutenant Dobrinska’s gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the Unites States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    12th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    January 12, 1968
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 3481 (May 17, 1968)

    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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas Earl Dobrinska (ASN: 0-5337688), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Dobrinska distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 12 January 1968, while serving as a platoon leader with Company B, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry during a search and destroy mission in the Que Son Valley, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force, Lieutenant Dobrinska exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved from man to man to insure his men were in proper assault positions. Disregarding his own safety, he then led a successful assault against the enemy emplacements, forcing the enemy to flee. Still under heavy enemy sniper fire, he crossed open ground to assist in evacuating his wounded comrades. Lieutenant Dobrinska’s gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.