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MAJ Patrick M. Trinkle citation for the Distinguished Service Cross, awarded for his actions on Febr: Image

MAJ PATRICK M. TRINKLE CITATION FOR THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS, AWARDED FOR HIS ACTIONS ON FEBRUARY 23, 1968.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, Americal Division
APO San Francisco 96374

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GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 2717


06 Jun 1968

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AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

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1.  TC 320.  The following AWARD is announced.

TRINKLE, PATRICK M., XXX-XX-XXXX, CAPTAIN, INFANTRY,
Company A, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry,
11th Infantry Brigade APO 96217
Awarded:  Distinguished Service Cross
Date action:  23 Feb 1968
Theater:  Republic of Vietnam

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Reason: 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) Patrick Mickael Trinkle (ASN: 0-93977), 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 A, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, 11th Brigade, Americal Division. Captain Trinkle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 February 1968 as commanding officer of an infantry company on a search and clear mission near My Lai. While moving through a low, wooded area, his troops were savagely attacked by a well-entrenched, numerically superior enemy force firing automatic weapons, recoilless rifles and mortars. Braving a hail of fire, Captain Trinkle called for air and artillery strikes and helicopter gunship support. Wounded in the leg, he continued to expose himself to the ravaging barrage and adjusted artillery on the attackers while a medic briefly treated his injury. With bullets striking all around him as he moved among his men to direct the attack, he was seriously wounded by Viet Cong sniper fire. Seeing one of his men wounded and trapped in the open, he began moving across the open ground to his aid. A sniper directed intense fire at him, and Captain Trinkle altered his course, moved through a curtain of fire and killed the insurgent with a grenade. He then carried the wounded soldier to safety. He was told to move to an evacuation point for treatment of his wounds but refused and fearlessly directed the attack in which his men overran the enemy positions. Finally ordered to leave the battle area, he continued to direct his men by radio during treatment. His gallant actions in the heat of battle inspired his men to fight furiously and overwhelm the determined hostile forces. Captain Trinkle'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.

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Authority:  By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918.

MAJ Patrick M. Trinkle citation for the Distinguished Service Cross, awarded for his actions on Febr: List
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