Colonel Robert L. Tonsetic, (then Captain), Infantry, United States Army, Company C, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). 31 January 1968. Republic of Vietnam. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Captain Tonsetic distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 January 1968 as a commander of an infantry company on a combat mission near Ho Nai. While leading his men through the village, his point squad encountered the forward elements of a large Viet Cong unit which was preparing to attack the United States’ 199th Infantry Brigade base camp. Braving heavy enemy fire, he moved forward to direct artillery fire to within fifty meters of his troops’ position. He then called in helicopter gunships. As they spewed their deadly fire upon the enemy, he exposed himself to ricocheting small arms fire and rocket shrapnel to locate and bring firepower on additional hostile positions. Captain Tonsetic then personally led an assault on the enemy, inspiring his men to move forward under the barrage of enemy fire. The Viet Cong attacked the advancing force with mortars. Captain Tonsetic engaged the enemy mortar site with a massive volley of all available grenade fire and destroyed the position. He then maneuvered to close with the insurgents in a creek bed. After an hour-long battle, the enemy withdrew, and the friendly force established a defensive perimeter. The enemy counterattacked from three sides. Captain Tonsetic skillfully deployed his maneuver elements and adjusted tactical air strikes and supporting artillery fire on the assaulting insurgents. His fearless leadership inspired his men to fight furiously and successfully repel the Viet Cong. Captain Tonsetic’s 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.

Robert L. Tonsetic, DSC died on 3 April 2016 at his home in Easton, MD.