On 3 January 1968, SP4 Gordon W. Gaskin, HHC, 2-12th Cavalry earned the Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam. SP4 Gaskin died in 2002 and is buried in Fort Smith National Cemetery. His citation is below: Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gordon W. Gaskin (RA15843739), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Gaskin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 January 1968 while serving as a medical aidman at Landing Zone Leslie in the Que Son Valley. His units perimeter was hit by a North Vietnamese barrage of rocket, mortar, recoilless rifle, automatic and semiautomatic weapon fire, followed by a vicious ground assault which resulted in fierce hand-to-hand combat in many areas. Specialist Gaskin exposed himself to the heavy volume of hostile fire as he moved to the perimeter in search of wounded soldiers. Although he was frequently fired on by the enemy, he fearlessly rescued his injured comrades and brought them to his aid station. During the seven-hour battle Specialist Gaskin treated over fifty casualties, sterilizing pieces of clothing to construct makeshift bandages after he had exhausted all his medical supplies. By repeatedly quitting his protected position to help his fellow soldiers, he saved many lives. Specialist Four Gaskins extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 14:00:00 +0000
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