Robert Leslie Poxon
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

First Lieutenant Robert Leslie Poxon (3 January 1947 - 2 June 1969) was a U.S. Army officer who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Robert Leslie Poxon was born on 3 January 1947 in Detroit, MI. He also joined the Army from Detroit. On 2 June 1969, Poxon was serving as a first lieutenant in Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. During a firefight that day in Tay Ninh Province of the Republic of Vietnam, Poxon attempted to aid a wounded soldier and was himself wounded in the process. Despite his injuries, he continued to lead his platoon and succeeded in destroying an enemy bunker before being killed. For his heroic actions during the battle, Poxon was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Poxon, Armor, Troop B, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader on a reconnaissance mission. Landing by helicopter in an area suspected of being occupied by the enemy, the platoon came under intense fire from enemy soldiers in concealed positions and fortifications around the landing zone. A soldier fell, hit by the first burst of fire. 1st Lt. Poxon dashed to his aid, drawing the majority of the enemy fire as he crossed 20 meters of open ground. The fallen soldier was beyond help and 1st Lt. Poxon was seriously and painfully wounded. 1st Lt. Poxon, with indomitable courage, refused medical aid and evacuation and turned his attention to seizing the initiative from the enemy. With sure instinct he marked a central enemy bunker as the key to success. Quickly instructing his men to concentrate their fire on the bunker, and in spite of his wound, 1st Lt. Poxon crawled toward the bunker, readied a hand grenade and charged. He was hit again but continued his assault. After succeeding in silencing the enemy guns in the bunker he was struck once again by enemy fire and fell, mortally wounded. 1st Lt. Poxon's comrades followed their leader, pressed the attack and drove the enemy from their positions. 1st Lt. Poxon's gallantry, indomitable will, and courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Medals and Awards

Medal of Honor
Bronze Star Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Purple Heart

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Robert Leslie Poxon's name is inscribed on Panel 23W - Line 46.

Death and Burial

First Lieutenant Robert Leslie Poxon was killed in action on 2 June 1969. He is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in his hometown of Detroit, MI.