BM1 Carroll E. Dutterer, Jr.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Carroll E. Dutterer, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 15 September 1967 during action against communist insurgent (Viet Cong) forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. As Boat Captain of Armored Troop Carrier 111-6, a unit of River Assault Division 11, River Assault Squadron 11, River Assault Flotilla ONE, Task Force 117 (TF-117), operating in support of the Second Brigade, Ninth United States Army Infantry Division. Petty Officer Dutterer participated in a combat mobile riverine assault operation against a Viet Cong stronghold in the Cam Son Secret Zone. While proceeding in formation with embarked Army troops, the riverine assault units came under intense automatic-weapons, recoilless-rifle, and rocket fire from enemy positions on both banks of the narrow stream. Petty Officer Dutterer’s boat, one of the lead units in the formation, was returning maximum fire when it was hit simultaneously by two enemy rockets, wounding Petty Officer Dutterer and four other crewmen, and destroying all communications equipment. Unable to receive instructions by radio, or to observe movements of the other craft through the dense pall of smoke, he was unaware that other units had been ordered to reverse course and retire to a safe area for casualty evacuation. Determined to carry out his assigned mission, Petty Officer Dutterer fought his craft, alone and with no fire support, through the entire 1800-meter enemy barrage, and landed his troops. When the troops were pinned down by enemy fire, he directed fire from his exposed position topside and re-beached his boat to pick up the troops. During the re-embarkation, Petty Officer Dutterer was seriously wounded when his boat was again hit by an enemy rocket. Despite his wounds, he maintained control of his craft until re-embarkation was completed. His courage and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Action Date: 15-Sep-67
Service: Navy
Rank: Boatswain’s Mate First Class
Company: Armored Troop Carrier 111-6 (ATC-111-6)
Battalion: River Assault Division 11
Regiment: River Assault Squadron 11, River Assault Flotilla 1
Division: Task Force 117 (TF-117)