1.  TC 320.   The following AWARD is announced:

HARTON, RAYMOND A  --------  CAPTAIN  ARTILLERY  United States Army
HH & S Btry, 6th Bn, 29th Arty, 4th Inf Div, APO 96265
     Awarded:  Air Medal with "V" Device (1st Oak Leaf Cluster)
     Date action:  22 March 1967
     Theater:  Republic of Vietnam
     Reason:  For heroism while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against an armed
                     hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.  On 22 March 1967 Captain Harton distinguished himself
                     while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer from the 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery, attached to an
                     infantry in contact with a battalion size force of North Vietnamese Regulars near the Cambodian
                     border.  As the battle progressed, a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol was spotted two hundred
                     meters from the heart of the conflict.  Although his aircraft sustained numerous hits, he successfully
                     extracted the patrol and returned it to safety.  As MEDEVAC helicopters began arriving, Captain
                     Harton led them into the landing zone and provided cover fire for them.  Again his aircraft sustained
                     several hits.  He returned to the refueling point to assess the damage.  Determining that the heli-
                     copter was safe to fly, he began shuttling emergency supplies to his comrades.  The "dustoff" heli-
                     copters were still utilizing the only landing zone and consequently, Captain Harton had to hover directly
                     above the battlefield, completely exposing himself to sniper fire as he lowered ammunition and water
                     by rope to the waiting troops below.  He remained in this position until the ground units were
                     completely resupplied.  Captain Harton's capable supervision, calm judgement and demonstrated
                     courage throughout this mission were instrumental to the defeat of the enemy.  His brave actions are
                     in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great on himself, his unit and the
                     United States Army.
      Authority:     By direction of the President under the provisions of Executive Order 9158, 11 May 1942, as
                            amended by Executive Order 9242-A, 11 September 1942

                     FOR THE COMMANDER:

OFFICIAL:                                                                                    PAT W. CRIZER
                                                                                                        LTC, GS
- signed -                                                                                         Acting Chief of Staff

B. H. HYLAN
CPT, AGC
Asst AG

                                                                                                                           GO 2817