The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Fourth Class Robert L. Towles, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Towles distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action at Landing Zone Albany Ia Drang Valley on 17 November 1965. During the course of an overland march, a numerically superior enemy force initiated contact with a heavy mortar barrage and struck from well-concealed positions cutting through the battalion’s line of march. Disregarding his wounds and own personal safety, Specialist Fourth Class Towles unhesitatingly exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire and single-handedly attacked and disabled an enemy machine gun position. Stunned by the assault, enemy troops momentarily broke contact and fled, enabling the beleaguered troops to withdraw and evacuate their casualties. Specialist Fourth Class Towles returned and led his comrades toward the battalion’s defensive position and continued to hold back enemy troops until all of the wounded had been extracted. On arrival in the perimeter, he took an active role in the battalion’s defense and proved instrumental in repelling two major enemy assaults on the position. Though surrounded by enemy forces, Specialist Fourth Class Towles volunteered to leave the battalion’s defensive perimeter and go into a contested battle area to retrieve tactical radios left behind. Specialist Fourth Class Towles’ extraordinary heroism, indomitable courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Cavalry Division and the United States Army.