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Leah Cardinal-Family
to remember
Ackerman, Edwin Arthur, Jr. (Sonny), CPT.
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Casualty Info
Home Town Oronoco, MN
Last Address Oronoco, MN
Casualty Date Feb 19, 1969
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Gun, Small Arms Fire
Location Vinh Long (Vietnam)
Conflict Vietnam War
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Edwin Arthur Ackerman, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Ackerman distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 19 February 1969 while serving as Senior Advisor, Mobile Advisory Team IV-37, Advisory Team 68, United States Army Advisory Group, IV Corps Tactical Zone, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.
On that date, Captain Ackerman was leading an element of the Minh Duc Popular Forces on a night operation in the vicinity of My An Village, Minh Duc District, Vinh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam. As the small unit patrolled through the area, they suddenly contacted an enemy force. The enemy immediately began to withdraw into the surrounding area. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, Captain Ackerman fearlessly led his unit in pursuit of the fleeing hostile force.
After several minutes the friendly unit had become spread out over a wide area and the point element suddenly became engaged in a vicious tri-directional firefight. Immediately, one of the United States Advisory was seriously wounded and shortly thereafter another American fell wounded. Exposing himself to the intense enemy fire, Captain Ackerman moved to the man's position and attempted to assist him. He then picked up the soldier's radio and began requesting aerial and artillery support.
His courageous example, greatly inspired his Vietnamese comrades and contributed immeasurably to the conduct of the operation. Captain Ackerman's conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1390 (1969) Action Date: February 19, 1969 Service: Army Rank: Captain Company: Advisory Team 68 Division: Military Assistance Command, Vietnam
Comments/Citation
SFC Roger Wimp, SFC Howard L. Early, and CPT Edwin A. Ackerman were members of a Mobile Advisory Team (MATT) Tin Vinh Long Province, as part of Advisory Team 68. They got caught in an ambush while on patrol. I put together a reaction team to help them, but by the time I got there, it was way too late. All three had been killed. I am so sorry I couldn't get there soon enough with help. Mike Paluda
