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Stephen
M. Dydynski was born February 19, 1947 at Walter Reed Army Hospital
in Washington, D.C. He entered the service September 24th 1965 in
Baltimore, Maryland and, after training as a paratrooper, was sent
to the Republic of Viet Nam in 1966 as part of the 173rd
Airborne Brigade . He died on January 21, 1967 as a result of
gunshot wounds received in hostile ground action against the Viet
Cong. The following is taken directly from Official General
Orders Number 141 , 31 January 1967 awarding Stephen the Bronze
Star, posthumously, for his gallant action against the enemy.
"For
heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile
force: Private First Class Dydynski distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 21 January 1967 in the Republic of
Vietnam. On this day, while on a night combat patrol during
operation Cedar Falls, Private First Class Dydynski's squad made
contact with an estimated Viet Cong squad and a vicious fire fight
developed. After ten minutes the Viet Cong attempted to break
contact. Without hesitation, Private First Class Dydynski and his
team began pursuing the fleeing Viet Cong. The Viet Cong stopped and
established themselves in a hasty ambush position and as the
pursuing squad approached the killing zone of the ambush, the Viet
Cong began placing a deadly volume of automatic weapons fire on the
American squad pinning them down and inflicting two casualties.
Realizing the danger that existed to his squad and the vital need
for his suppressive fire, Private First Class Dydynski, with a
complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved through the
intense incoming fire to a vantage point from which he could place
effective fire on the well concealed enemy with his M-79 grenade
launcher. He placed deadly accurate fire on the Viet Cong positions
for five minutes, taking the pressure off his squad and allowing
them to maneuver, finally causing the Viet Cong to once again try to
break contact. Private First Class Dydynski attempted to move to
another vantage point in order to continue placing fire on the
escaping Viet Cong when he was mortally wounded. Private First Class
Dydynski's example of personal bravery was an inspiration to the
remainder of his squad and caused them to assault the enemy,
fighting them at close range and finally defeating them. Private
First Class Dydynski's outstanding display of aggressiveness,
devotion to duty, and personal bravery were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, his unit and the United States Army."
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