9 Apr 2004 Headquarters 5TH INFANTRY DIVISION APO San Francisco 96477 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 5470 AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. LHOTA, ROBERT ER23769625 SPECIALIST FOUR United States Army Co D, 1st Bn, 11th Infantry, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross Date action: 21 September 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 Lhota distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 September 1968 while serving as an assistant machine gunner on a search and destroy mission in Quang Tri Province. His platoon was suddenly attacked by an enemy force occupying well concealed bunkers, and became pinned down by the aggressors' cross fire. Specialist Lhota took a machine gun from a wounded man and placed effective fire on the hostile emplacements, enabling his fellow soldiers to begin a withdrawal. The enemy concentrated on his position, and he was seriously wounded by a rocket that exploded next to him. Refusing to be evacuated, he continued to man the machine gun until he was hit a second time and his weapon was damaged. A comrade attempted to carry him to safety, but Specialist Lhota resisted, and instead began shooting his rifle at the communists. He was struck again by the hostile fusillade and was mortally wounded. Through bravery and self-sacrifice most of the platoon escaped the murderous barrage. Specialist Lhota's 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. FOR THE COMMANDER: Chief of Staff OFFICIAL: Adjutant General REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms in the SOCIETY OF THE 5TH INFANTRY DIVISION

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