On December 15, 1967, during combat operations in Vietnam, Specialist Four Allen J. Lynch was serving as a radio telephone operator with Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division when his unit came under attack by a numerically superior enemy force.

From the front lines, Lynch quickly relayed crucial information to his commander, helping his unit respond effectively. But it was his incredible courage under fire that defined the battle.

Spotting three wounded soldiers stranded under intense enemy fire, Lynch sprinted across 50 meters of open terrain, dodging gunfire to reach them. After killing two enemy soldiers at point-blank range in a nearby trench, he returned to the fire-swept field three separate times, carrying each wounded man to cover.

When his unit was forced to retreat, Lynch stayed behind alone with the injured—refusing to abandon them. For two hours, he defended his isolated position with just a rifle and one grenade, killing five enemy soldiers and halting their advance.

Still not done, he carried the wounded another 70 meters under fire—five more times—to a safer location. Only after ensuring their survival did he locate a friendly unit and coordinate the counterattack and evacuation.

For his unwavering bravery, self-sacrifice, and extraordinary valor, Allen Lynch was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Lynch (then Sp4c.) distinguished himself while serving as a radio telephone operator with Company D. While serving in the forward element on an operation near the village of My An, his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force. Quickly and accurately assessing the situation, Sgt. Lynch provided his commander with information which subsequently proved essential to the unit's successful actions. Observing three wounded comrades lying exposed to enemy fire, Sgt. Lynch dashed across 50 meters of open ground through a withering hail of enemy fire to administer aid. Reconnoitering a nearby trench for a covered position to protect the wounded from intense hostile fire, he killed two enemy soldiers at point-blank range. With the trench cleared, he unhesitatingly returned to the fire-swept area three times to carry the wounded men to safety. When his company was forced to withdraw by the superior firepower of the enemy, Sgt. Lynch remained to aid his comrades at the risk of his life rather than abandon them. Alone, he defended his isolated position for two hours against the advancing enemy. Using only his rifle and a grenade, he stopped them just short of his trench, killing five. Again, disregarding his safety in the face of withering hostile fire, he crossed 70 meters of exposed terrain five times to carry his wounded comrades to a more secure area. Once he had assured their comfort and safety, Sgt. Lynch located the counterattacking friendly company to assist in directing the attack and evacuating the three casualties. His gallantry at the risk of his life is in the highest traditions of the military service. Sgt. Lynch has reflected great credit on himself, the 12th Cavalry, and the U.S. Army.

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