The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*HOSKING, CHARLES ERNEST, JR.
Rank and organization: Master Sergeant,
U.S. Army, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Place
and date: Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 March 1967. Entered
service at: Fort Dix, N.J. Born: 12 May 1924, Ramsey, N.J.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty. M/Sgt. Hosking (then Sfc.), Detachment A-302, Company A, greatly
distinguished himself while serving as company advisor in the III Corps Civilian Irregular
Defense Group Reaction Battalion during combat operations in Don Luan District. A Viet
Cong suspect was apprehended and subsequently identified as a Viet Cong sniper. While
M/Sgt. Hosking was preparing the enemy for movement back to the base camp, the prisoner
suddenly grabbed a hand grenade from M/Sgt. Hosking's belt, armed the grenade, and started
running towards the company command group which consisted of 2 Americans and 2 Vietnamese
who were standing a few feet away. Instantly realizing that the enemy intended to kill the
other men, M/Sgt. Hosking immediately leaped upon the Viet Cong's back. With utter
disregard for his personal safety, he grasped the Viet Cong in a "Bear Hug"
forcing the grenade against the enemy soldier's chest. He then wrestled the Viet Cong to
the ground and covered the enemy's body with his body until the grenade detonated. The
blast instantly killed both M/Sgt. Hosking and the Viet Cong. By absorbing the full force
of the exploding grenade with his body and that of the enemy, he saved the other members
of his command group from death or serious injury. M/Sgt. Hosking's risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty are in the highest tradition of the U.S. Army and reflect
great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
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