Sgt. Penry’s Actions During a Night Ambush

Sergeant Penry of Company C distinguished himself during a night ambush mission while serving as a rifleman. As the platoon was setting up its ambush position, they were suddenly hit by a fierce enemy attack, including mortar, rocket, and automatic weapons fire. The barrage severely wounded the company commander and most of the platoon, leaving small, isolated groups of injured men scattered across the area.

Recognizing the dire situation, Sgt. Penry braved the intense enemy fire to reach the company command post, where he provided first aid to the wounded commander and others. He then relocated the command post to a more secure position, ensuring better protection, visual communication, and control over the platoon.

When he realized the company radio was damaged, and knowing communication with battalion headquarters was critical, he ran outside the defensive perimeter through a hail of enemy fire to recover a radio. Finding it inoperable, he again risked his life, returning through the same heavy fire to retrieve two more radios.

Turning his attention to the defense of the area, Sgt. Penry crawled to the perimeter's edge, gathering ammunition and weapons to resupply the wounded. During a fierce assault by over 30 enemy soldiers, Sgt. Penry positioned himself at the most vulnerable point of the line. He unleashed heavy, accurate fire on the attackers, repeatedly exposing himself to throw grenades at the advancing enemy. Through his actions, he single-handedly repelled the attack.

Discovering that none of the radios were functional, Sgt. Penry once again ventured outside the perimeter to retrieve a fourth radio. He successfully reestablished communications with headquarters and continued administering aid to the wounded, relocating them to more defensible positions. Despite ongoing sniper fire, he ventured close to enemy positions, locating five isolated wounded soldiers and guiding them to safety.

As evacuation helicopters arrived, Sgt. Penry voluntarily left the perimeter to set up a guiding beacon, organized the evacuation priorities, and carried 18 wounded men to the extraction point. After ensuring all the injured were evacuated, he joined another platoon to assist in pursuing the enemy. For these extraordinary actions, Sgt. Penry was awarded the Medal of Honor.