Navy Federal Credit Union

Gordon Mansfield received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University. While recovering from wounds suffered in Vietnam, he began studying for his law degree at American University, and eventually graduated from the University of Miami. From October 1, 2007 until December 20, 2007 he was the Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs under President George Bush.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    February 4, 1968

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2945 (June 20, 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 Captain (Infantry) Gordon Hall Mansfield (ASN: 0-5325599), 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, 1st Battalion (Airborne) 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Captain Mansfield distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 February 1968 as commanding officer of an airborne infantry company on a search and clear operation near Hai Lang. When his company came under devastating enemy fire, he immediately maneuvered his elements into positions for an attack. Receiving word that one platoon had been pinned down by enemy automatic weapons fire, he led a second platoon into position for a frontal assault upon the enemy. When the attack stalled in the face of ravaging fire, he led five men to the enemy’s flank. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he led a savage charge upon the enemy position that completely destroyed it. Captain Mansfield repeatedly exposed himself to enemy weapons fire to evacuate his wounded men. While moving the casualties to safety, he was seriously wounded. Refusing aid, he continued to direct the evacuation of the wounded and coordinated with an adjoining company for aid. Only when he was certain that his men were safe did he agree to his own evacuation. Captain Mansfield’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.