15 December

SGT ALLEN JAMES LYNCH
Company D, 1st Battalion (Airmobile)
2th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
Binh Dinh province, RVN
15 December 1967

Sgt. Lynch (then Sp4) was serving as Radio operator for D. CO.  While serving in the forward element on an operation near the village of My An, his unit engaged a numerically superior enemy force.

Observing 3 wounded comrades Lying exposed to enemy fire, Sgt. Lynch dashed across 50 meters of open ground through a withering hail of enemy fire to administer aid. Reconnoitering a nearby trench for a covered position to protect the wounded from intense hostile fire, he killed 2 enemy soldiers at point-blank range.

With the trench cleared, he unhesitatingly returned to the fire-swept area 3 times to carry the wounded men to safety. When his company was forced to withdraw, Sgt. Lynch remained to aid his comrades at the risk of his life rather than abandon them.

Alone, he defended his isolated position for 2 hours against the advancing enemy. Using only his rifle and a grenade, he stopped them just short of his trench, killing 5. Again, disregarding his safety in the face of withering hostile fire, he crossed 70 meters of exposed terrain 5 times to carry his wounded comrades to a more secure area. Once he had assured their comfort and safety.

His gallantry at the risk of his life is in the highest traditions of the military service, Sgt. Lynch has reflected great credit on himself, the 12th Cavalry, and the U.S. Army.