CAPTAIN RAYMOND H. DOBBINS, Infantry, United States Army, Company D, 1st battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Captain Dobbins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 November 1967 while serving as commanding officer of an infantry company on a battalion search and destroy operation near Loc Ninh. While maneuvering in pursuit of enemy snipers, his company was attacked by a large hostile unit firing automatic weapons, small arms and rockets. Captain Dobbins quickly deployed his main force into an effective defensive perimeter and then fearlessly moved seventy-five meters across the bullet-swept battlefield to lead his flank elements back into the perimeter. He was seriously wounded as the enemy concentrated fire on the command group, but he refused aid and assumed command of the battalion since his commander had been killed by the savage barrage. He exposed himself to withering fire time after time to reorganize the defenses and direct treatment of the wounded. The enemy force intensified its attack, and he skillfully directed artillery and air strikes to within thirty meters of his lines to repel the vicious assaults. For two hours, Captain Dobbins continually exposed himself to hostile weapons to move among his men, encouraging them and directing their fire. When the insurgents finally broke contact, he directed one platoon to secure a landing zone and organized search parties to cover the battleground and moved the wounded to the evacuation site. Weak from loss of blood, he resolutely led his men until he was no longer able to continue. Captain Dobbins’ 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.

Major Dobbins resides in Missouri and is a life member.