This is Jockel Podcast number 172 with Echo Charles and me, Jockel Willink.

Good evening, Echo.

Good evening.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the distinguished service

cross posthumously to Fred Garland Bragg, Jr. first lieutenant, U.S. Army for extraordinary

heroism in action and connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed

hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with battery, bravo, fourth battalion,

forty-second artillery, fourth infantry division.

First lieutenant Bragg distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 July

1967 while serving as artillery forward observer with an infantry company while on a search

and destroy mission near the Cambodian border in central Highlands.

When his company was surrounded and the company commander was killed, lieutenant Bragg immediately

took command and directed extremely deadly artillery fire on the insurgent forces.

He bravely moved among his men, giving encouragement and regrouping them into a more secure defense

although he was fully exposed to intense mortar and automatic weapons fire.

Seriously wounded, he continued to direct airstrikes on the advancing enemy until a mortar

round destroyed his only remaining radio.

Staying in the open, he poured round after round of deadly fire into the advancing enemy

force.

He gave his life while bravely leading his men in the face of overwhelming odds.

Firstly, lieutenant Bragg's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty at the cost of his

life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit

...