Robert Charles Peda – Captain, United States Army

by

Full Name: ROBERT CHARLES PEDA

Date of Birth: 10/30/1938
Date of Casualty: 4/7/1968
Home of Record: KINGSTON, NEWYORK
Branch of Service: ARMY
Rank: 1LT
Casualty Country: SOUTH VIETNAM
Casualty Province: THUA THIEN

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

posthumously to

ROBERT CHARLES PEDA
First Lieutenant
United States Army
for service as set forth in the following

CITATION

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:

First Lieutenant Peda distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 April 1968 as wingman of an aero-scout fire team that was engaged in reconnaissance of an area near Long Vinh known to contain many enemy positions.

Lieutenant Peda located several of the insurgent emplacements and unhesitantly attacked them while being subjected to intense hostile fire. During the battle, Lieutenant Peda’s helicopter was hit by automatic weapons fire, causing it to burst into flames and crash. He was thrown out of the aircraft as it hit the ground. Though badly wounded, he crawled back to the blazing wreckage to rescue his observer who was trapped inside it. Prior to reaching the aircraft, it exploded and threw Lieutenant Peda through the air, mortally wounding him. His courageous actions and determined efforts to save a fellow soldier’s life were an inspiration to other aviators and troops in the area.

First Lieutenant Peda’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

PEDA, ROBERT CHARLES

  • CPT USA
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 10/30/1938
  • DATE OF DEATH: 04/07/1968
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 6  SITE 5776-A
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Read our general and most popular articles

Leave a Comment