The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*HAGEN, LOREN D.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant,
U.S. Army, Infantry, U.S. Army Training Advisory Group. Place and date: Republic
of Vietnam, 7 August 1971. Entered service at: Fargo, N. Dak. Born: 25
February 1946, Fargo, N. Dak.
Citation:
1st Lt. Hagen distinguished himself in action while serving as the team leader of a small
reconnaissance team operating deep within enemy-held territory. At approximately 0630
hours on the morning of 7 August 1971 the small team came under a fierce assault by a
superior-sized enemy force using heavy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and rocket
fire. 1st Lt. Hagen immediately began returning small-arms fire upon the attackers and
successfully led this team in repelling the first enemy onslaught. He then quickly
deployed his men into more strategic defense locations before the enemy struck again in an
attempt to overrun and annihilate the beleaguered team's members. 1st Lt. Hagen repeatedly
exposed himself to- the enemy fire directed at him as he constantly moved about the team's
perimeter, directing fire, rallying the members, and resupplying the team with ammunition,
while courageously returning small arms and hand grenade fire in a valorous attempt to
repel the advancing enemy force. The courageous actions and expert leadership abilities of
1st Lt. Hagen were a great source of inspiration and instilled confidence in the team
members. After observing an enemy rocket make a direct hit on and destroy 1 of the team's
bunkers, 1st Lt. Hagen moved toward the wrecked bunker in search for team members despite
the fact that the enemy force now controlled the bunker area. With total disregard for his
own personal safety, he crawled through the enemy fire while returning small-arms fire
upon the enemy force. Undaunted by the enemy rockets and grenades impacting all around
him, 1st Lt. Hagen desperately advanced upon the destroyed bunker until he was fatally
wounded by enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. With complete disregard for his
personal safety, 1st Lt. Hagen's courageous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his own life, were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
him and the U.S. Army.
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