SSG Drew D. Dix

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Staff Sergeant Drew D. Dix, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptional heroism on 31 January and 1 February 1968 while serving as a unit advisor in Chau Phu, Chau Doc Province, Republic of Vietnam.

Two heavily armed Viet Cong battalions attacked the province capital city of Chau Phu on 31 January 1968, resulting in the complete breakdown and fragmentation of the defenses of the city. Sergeant Dix, with a patrol of Vietnamese soldiers, was recalled to assist in the defense of Chau Phu.

Learning that a nurse was trapped in a house near the center of the city, Sergeant Dix organized a relief force, successfully rescued the nurse, and returned her to the safety of the Tactical Operations Center. Being informed of other trapped civilians within the city, Sergeant Dix voluntarily led another force to rescue eight civilian employees located in a building which was under heavy mortar and small arms fire. Sergeant Dix then returned to the center of the city.

Upon approaching a building, he was subjected to intense automatic rifle and machinegun fire from an unknown number of Viet Cong. He personally assaulted the building, killing six Viet Cong and rescuing two Filipinos. The following day Sergeant Dix, still of his own volition, assembled a 20-man force and though under intense enemy fire cleared the Viet Cong out of the hotel, theater, and other adjacent buildings within the city.

During this portion of the attack, Army of the Republic of Vietnam soldiers, inspired by the heroism and success of Sergeant Dix, rallied and commenced firing upon the Viet Cong. Sergeant Dix captured 20 prisoners, including a high-ranking Viet Cong official. He then attacked enemy troops who had entered the residence of the Deputy Province Chief and was successful in rescuing that official's wife and children.

Sergeant Dix’s personal heroic actions resulted in 14 confirmed Viet Cong killed in action and possibly 25 more, the capture of 20 prisoners and 15 weapons, and the rescue of 14 United States and free world civilians. The heroism of Sergeant Dix is in the highest tradition and reflects great credit upon the United States Army.