POXON, ROBERT LESLIE *
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 June 1969
Entered service at: Detroit, Michigan
Born: 3 January 1947, Detroit, Michigan
Citation:
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 an 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 upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
High School graduation photo
The following message is from Karen Beckwith, a sister of Robert L. Poxon:
"If you knew my brother Bob, or served with him I would really like to hear from you. His nickname was Blue.
Even though it's been 30 years now, I still miss Bobby very much. And I wish I had been older before he went to Vietnam so that I would have more memories of him to cherish.
God bless,
--- General / Personal ---
Last name: POXON
First name: ROBERT LESLIE
Home of Record (official): DETROIT
State (official): MI
Date of Birth: Friday, January 3, 1947
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single
--- Military ---
Branch: Army
Rank: 1LT
Serial Number: O5261161
Component: Reserve
Pay grade: O2
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 61204
--- Action ---
Start of Tour: Thursday, October 10, 1968
Date of Casualty: Monday, June 2, 1969
Age at time of loss: 22
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Tay Ninh
The Wall: Panel 23W - Row 046
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