On May 6, 1968, during intense combat in Vietnam, Specialist Four Robert Patterson of the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division, demonstrated extraordinary courage during an assault on a heavily fortified North Vietnamese Army position.

As his platoon’s lead squad was pinned down by automatic weapons and RPG fire, Patterson and two others advanced under a hail of bullets to destroy the first two enemy bunkers. But when he saw more of his team come under fire from a third bunker, surrounded by spider holes, Patterson advanced alone—fully aware of the deadly risk.

He assaulted bunker after bunker under withering fire, using grenades and rifle fire to eliminate five enemy positions, kill eight enemy soldiers, and capture seven weapons—breaking the enemy's line and allowing his unit to advance.

For his fearless actions and selfless heroism, Robert Patterson was awarded the Medal of Honor.

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