Citation: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert S. Hutchinson, II (0-5337729), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 16 February 1968 while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 22d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, elements of Company A were conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation in the vicinity of Tay Ninh when Lieutenant Hutchinson's platoon came under attack by antitank rockets, rifle grenades, automatic weapons and small arms fire from a Viet Cong battalion positioned in well-fortified bunkers. Without hesitation, he immediately began directing the fire of his men on the enemy, and, after an armored personnel carrier had crashed through a brick wall in front of the enemy positions, he led his men through the opening in an assault against the insurgents. When heavy casualties were sustained, Lieutenant Hutchinson withdrew his men to regroup, covering their movement with his own fire. As the Viet Cong began a counterassault, he remained in his exposed position and fired into the charging Viet Cong ranks. Even though an enemy rocket exploded near him, Lieutenant Hutchinson continued to hold his position until his men had cleared the area. After supervising evacuation of the wounded, he again reorganized his men for another assault on the Viet Cong positions. While closing on the enemy, he was mortally wounded by automatic weapons fire. His courageous actions and determination were responsible for the eventual defeat of the fanatical enemy force. Lieutenant Hutchinson's extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 80 (December 16, 1968) Home Town: Hacienda Heights, California