Captain Thomas E. Lutchendorf, was awared the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism on 9 December 1967 while a first lieutenant platoon leader of an armored cavalry company. His platoon air-assaulted an unsecured landing zone in the mountains north of Phan Thiet and immediately came under intense automatic weapons fire fron eight well camouflaged and fortified bunkers. The bunkers were situated on two sides of the landing zone and the other two sides were covered with punji stakes to prevent escape and evasion. Lieutenant Lutchendorf directed his men to move to defilade position as he remained behind to direct air striks, aerial rocket artillery, and gunship fire into the enemy positions. He repeatedly exposed himself to the deadly insurgent barrage to determine the effectiveness of air strikes, adjust them, and to hurl grenades at the enemy bunkers. Even though enemy mortar rounds began falling around his position. Lieutenant Lutchendorf remained exposed to the fusillade to fix the bunker positions with compass readings to allow more accurate air strikes. Napalm bombs and aerial rocket artillery were able to destroy several of the fortified bunkers due to this action. Although seriously wounded, Lieutenant Lutchendorf stubbornly refused to give up his command or accept medical aid for himself. Throughout the night, he retained control of his men and inspired them to bring constant pressure on the determined enemy. His outstanding leadership was decisive in repelling a superior enemy force and the safe evacuation of his troops. Lieutenant Lutchendorf’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the U.S. Army.

CPT. Lutchendorf joined the Legion of Valor in 1974.