Allen J. Lynch’s Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

SERGEANT

ALLEN JAMES LYNCH

ARMY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Allen James Lynch (ASN: RA-16812051), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio operator with Company D, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at My An (2), Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 December 1967. While serving in the forward element on an operation near the village of My An, Sergeant Lynch’s unit became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force. Quickly and accurately assessing the situation, Sergeant 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, Sergeant 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, Sergeant 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, Sergeant 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, Sergeant Lynch has reflected great credit on himself, the 12th Cavalry, and the United States Army.

Born: 28 Oct. 1945, Chicago, Ill…. Company D, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division… Requested to be drafted… Volunteered to transfer to Vietnam… Served 21 years in the Army Reserve and National Guard