Bio: Sullivan, David E. – 1st Lt. (Gallantry Cross – 1966)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sullivan, McKenna

---------Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 20 Oct 1966

First Lieutenant David E. Sullivan has been awarded the Gallantry Cross with Silver Star by the Republic of Vietnam for bravery in battle, and has been recommended for the Bronze Star Medal of the U.S. Armed Forces as the result of engagements by his platoon during the period of June 10 through July 2. The Gallantry Cross with Silver Star has been approved by the Department of the Army under date of August 2.

Lt. Sullivan has completed six months of field operations with tactical units and is now assigned to Headquarters of the Headquarters Company based at Pheu Loi, northwest of Saigon. Before being transferred to Headquarters Co., Sullivan received a rating of 116 out of a possible 120 by the company commander and 118 out of a possible 120 by the battalion commander for his services with Co. C., 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry, 1st Division. The company commander in his report on Lt. Sullivan stated, "He is one of the few outstanding officers I feel we have in the Army today … He should be considered for promotion ahead of his contemporaries and any future assignment to a tactical unit would be of great value to the Army."

Regarding the foreign award, assistant general, Gerard M. McKenna issued the following approval: "The Gallantry Cross with Silver Star presented to you by the Republic of Vietnam for your heroic actions during the period of 20 June 1966 to 2 July 1966 has been accepted and approved by the commanding general, United States Army, Vietnam."

The proposed citation for the Bronze Star Medal was made as the result of three engagements on June 19, 16 and 23. The citation states:

"Lt. Sullivan distinguished himself by heroic achievement while serving as a platoon leader with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. On 10 June 1966, the company completed a search and destroy operation, they prepared for extraction from the jungle area by helicopter. Lt. Sullivan's platoon was last to be extracted. When the majority of his platoon was extracted, it was found that some would not be able to make it. Lt. Sullivan immediately elected himself as one of those that would remain behind until another lift could be initiated. Lt. Sullivan was left in the jungle area with his RTO and one other man until later in the afternoon when another helicopter could be moved in.

" on 16 June 1966, the entire company came under intensive enemy fire and could not move. Lt. Sullivan took the situation in hand and, with outstanding leadership capabilities he continued to display, maneuvered his platoon to a position which enabled them to take the enemy under the accurate fires of his men, causing the enemy to be driven off after having suffered heavy casualties.

"On 23 June 1966, Lt. Sullivan's platoon came under heavy enemy fire during a patrol, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety and well-being, he moved about his platoon administering first aid and tactically employing his platoon to successfully drive of the enemy. His leadership capabilities, initiative during these combat conditions undoubtedly saved many of his men's lives.

"Lt. Sullivan's devotion to duty and outstanding leadership bring great upon himself, his unit, the United States Army and the 1st Infantry Division."

Lt. Sullivan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Sullivan, former Owen (Clark Co., Wis.) residents. He ahs been in Vietnam since February 1966.