12 April 2003 REMEMBERED by his comrades in the 5th Infantry A memorial initiated by a fellow Bobcat, Randy Kethcart randy@bobcat.ws DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY VIETNAM APO San Francisco 96375 20 April 1968 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 1839 AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. HAINES, JOHN L US54959324 SPECIALIST FOUR E-4 UNITED STATES ARMY HHC, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross Date action: 6 March 1968 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Haines distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 March 1968 as medical aidman for an infantry platoon conducting a sweep and secure mission near Hoc Mon. As his unit moved into a dense woodline, it was subjected to intense small arms, automatic weapons, and anti-tank rocket fire from an enemy force of unknown size. Five members of his platoon were seriously wounded by the initial burst of savage hostile fire. Fearlessly exposing himself to the withering fusillade, Specialist Haines raced forward to assist his stricken comrades. With bullets striking all around him, he courageously moved from one casualty to another, administering first aid. Specialist Haines was hit while treating one of the soldiers, but disregarded his wound and continued his live-saving mission. Observing his platoon sergeant severely wounded and lying in an open area raked by enemy machine gun fire, he rushed to the man and began attending him. Specialist Haines was instantly killed by the machine gun fire while applying the last bandage to his fallen comrade. His gallant and determined actions in close combat saved the lives of several fellow soldiers. Specialist Four Haines' 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. Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.

 

12 May 2003 Although I never had the honor of meeting you, I am your nephew, Craig Robinson, born August 22,1967, almost a month before you left for Vietnam. I visited your gravesite this Mothers Day weekend. You lie next to your sister, my mother Alma Mae Haines Robinson. I never really knew how you died, and I guess it was something that the family didn't like to talk about. But when I read the story of how you died saving the lives of your comrades, I wasn't surprised. The Haines family has a long history of serving in the military, in fact I was a Corpsman/DT in the Navy, and I am so proud of you and your sacrifice for this nation. Until we meet someday.... Craig S. Robinson craigsrobinson@yahoo.com

 

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