Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Vietnam War - U.S. Army
Robert Leslie Poxon
- Rank: First Lieutenant
- Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
- Unit/Command:
Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry,
1st Cavalry Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: June 2, 1969
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Poxon, Armor, Troop B, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader on a reconnaissance mission. Landing by helicopter in a area suspected of being occupied by the enemy, the platoon came under intense fire from enemy soldiers in concealed positions and fortifications around the landing zone. A soldier fell, hit by the first burst of fire. 1st Lt. Poxon dashed to his aid, drawing the majority of the enemy fire as he crossed 20 meters of open ground. The fallen soldier was beyond help and 1st Lt. Poxon was seriously and painfully wounded. 1st Lt. Poxon, with indomitable courage, refused medical aid and evacuation and turned his attention to seizing the initiative from the enemy. With sure instinct he marked a central enemy bunker as the key to success. Quickly instructing his men to concentrate their fire on the bunker, and in spite of his wound, 1st Lt. Poxon crawled toward the bunker, readied a hand grenade, and charged. He was hit again but continued his assault. After succeeding in silencing the enemy guns in the bunker he was struck once again by enemy fire and fell, mortally wounded. 1st Lt. Poxon's comrades followed their leader, pressed the attack, and drove the enemy from their positions. 1st Lt. Poxon's gallantry, indomitable will, and courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
- Accredited to: Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: February 16, 1971
The White House (East Ballroom), presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his family
- Born: January 3, 1947, Detroit, Wayne County, MI, United States
- Died: June 2, 1969, Republic of Vietnam
- Buried: Forest Lawn Cemetery (39-304-6), Detroit, MI, United States
- Location of Medal: Michigan Heroes Museum, Frankenmuth, MI