Say His Name to Remember: Sgt. Larry Gambotto
Sergeant Gambotto's actions on September 13, 1968, demonstrate exceptional bravery and leadership in the face of danger.
September 13, 2024
Sergeant
Gambotto's actions on September 13, 1968, demonstrate exceptional bravery and
leadership in the face of danger. Leading his squad under intense enemy sniper
fire, his commitment to his fellow soldiers and mission was evident when he
took the point and led the charge, even after being seriously wounded. His
selfless act of continuing the assault despite his injuries reflects the
highest standards of gallantry, which led to his posthumous Silver Star award.
This kind of courage under fire is both inspiring and a testament to the
sacrifices made by soldiers in the Vietnam War. He was killed in action less than a month after arriving in
Vietnam.
The combat operation near Duc Lap in Vietnam during September 1968 occurred in the context of an ongoing battle between U.S. and ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) forces against the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong forces. Duc Lap, located near the Cambodian border in the Central Highlands, was a strategic area due to its proximity to key supply routes and its role as a defensive outpost.
In early September 1968, the NVA launched an offensive against the Duc Lap Special Forces camp, which was defended by U.S. Special Forces, ARVN soldiers, and Montagnard troops. The battle was part of the larger campaign by the NVA to disrupt U.S. and South Vietnamese military operations in the region.
The intense fighting involved heavy artillery bombardments, airstrikes, and ground assaults. U.S. units, including elements of the 4th Infantry Division, such as Sergeant Gambotto’s Company B, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry, were engaged in combat operations in the vicinity to repel enemy forces and protect the outpost. These units faced heavy sniper and small-arms fire from well-concealed enemy positions, as Gambotto’s company did during their operation.
The Duc Lap area was critical due to its location along infiltration routes used by the NVA, making it a key target in their efforts to disrupt U.S. and South Vietnamese activities in the Central Highlands. The actions of soldiers like Sergeant Gambotto contributed to holding off NVA advances during this period.