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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 pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert Louis Tonsetic (ASN: 0-5226257), 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 C, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). Captain Tonsetic distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 31 January 1968 as commander of an infantry company on a combat mission near Ho Nai. While leading his men through the village, his point squad encountered the forward elements of a large Viet Cong unit which was preparing to attack the United States’ 199th Infantry Brigade base camp. Braving heavy enemy fire, he moved forward to direct artillery fire to within fifty meters of his troops’ position. He then called helicopter gunships. As they spewed their deadly fire upon the enemy, he exposed himself to ricocheting small arms fire and rocket shrapnel to locate and bring firepower on additional hostile positions. Captain Tonsetic then personally led an assault on the enemy, inspiring his men to move forward under the barrage of enemy fire. The Viet Cong attacked the advancing force with mortars. Captain Tonsetic engaged the enemy mortars with a massive volley of all available grenade fire and destroyed the position. He then maneuvered to close with the insurgents in a creek bed. After an hour-long battle, the enemy withdrew, and the friendly force established a defensive perimeter. The enemy counterattacked from three sides. Captain Tonsetic skillfully deployed his maneuver elements and adjusted tactical air strikes and supporting artillery fire on the assaulting insurgents. His fearless leadership inspired his men to fight furiously and successfully repel the Viet Cong. Captain Tonsetic’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:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    4th Battalion

    Regiment:

    12th Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (L)

    Action Date:

    May 9, 1968
    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 1141 (September 10, 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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Robert L. Tonsetic (ASN: 0-5226257), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 May 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer, Company C, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Tonsetic’s company had established its night defensive position southwest of Saigon when a large enemy force was observed moving under the cover of darkness in close proximity to the company’s position. Reacting immediately, Captain Tonsetic deployed his men on a reconnaissance in force operation. Ordering mortar fire placed on the Communist force, Captain Tonsetic maneuvered his reaction force toward the enemy. As his unit approached the suspected enemy area, it came under intense fire. Disregarding his own safety, Captain Tonsetic exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved about the area adjusting mortar fires and directing his men’s return fire. Continuing his aggressive actions, he personally led an assault on the enemy force. Undaunted by the devastating hostile fire striking around him, he courageously moved to within 20 meters of an enemy position before he became pinned down. Realizing that the momentum of the attack had to be maintained, he exposed himself to the withering enemy fire and hurled a hand grenade into the enemy position, destroying it. As the hostile fire subsided, Captain Tonsetic valiantly persisted in his courageous efforts and led his company on an assault, annihilating the enemy force. After the savage fighting, it was revealed that Captain Tonsetic had personally accounted for three of a total of 20 enemy killed and his company had captured three prisoners and many weapons. Captain Tonsetic’s profound courage and gallantry in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

  • Defense Superior Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    January 1988 – June 1991
    Military Personnel Awards Memorandum 91-258 (September 27, 1991)

    Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel (Infantry) Robert L. Tonsetic (ASN: 0-5226257), United States Army, for exceptionally superior service as Faculty Advisor and Academic Operations Officer, Defense College of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Rome, Italy, from January 1988 to June 1991. Colonel Tonsetic’s extraordinary talents were clearly demonstrated as he provided outstanding support to the College’s student working committees. As a result of his efforts, he was selected to create a special course for general and flag officers about to take NATO assignments. He crafted the program and personally invited and hosted all of the guest lecturers, including retired and active duty generals, admirals, Ambassadors, and the NATO Secretary General. His support in the implementation of a United States Army War College fellowship program at the NATO Defense College resulted in Army graduates earning the Military Education Level 1 Certification and their gaining commands benefiting from well-researched and well-documented examinations of critical issues and topics. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Tonsetic culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.