- SURNAME
Hosking
- FORENAME
Charles Ernest,Jr
- UNIT
5 SF Group (Company A,Det A-302) (3 M.S.F.C.)
- RANK
Sergeant First Class
- NUMBER
32919642
- AWARD
Medal of Honor
- PLACE
South Vietnam 1967
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIA - see Roll of Honour
ROLL OF HONOUR:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/hosking-charles-ernest-jr.5085/CITATION:
Medal of Honor : The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Sergeant Major [then Sergeant First Class] Charles Ernest Hosking, Jr. (ASN: 32919642), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 21 March 1967. Master Sergeant Hosking, Detachment A-302, Company A, greatly distinguished himself while serving as company advisor in the III Corps Civilian Irregular Defense Group Reaction Battalion during combat operations in Don Luan District. A Viet Cong suspect was apprehended and subsequently identified as a Viet Cong sniper. While Master Sergeant Hosking was preparing the enemy for movement back to the base camp, the prisoner suddenly grabbed a hand grenade from Master Sergeant Hosking's belt, armed the grenade, and started running towards the company command group which consisted of two Americans and two Vietnamese who were standing a few feet away. Instantly realizing that the enemy intended to kill the other men, Master Sergeant Hosking immediately leaped upon the Viet Cong's back. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he grasped the Viet Cong in a "Bear Hug" forcing the grenade against the enemy soldier's chest. He then wrestled the Viet Cong to the ground and covered the enemy's body with his body until the grenade detonated. The blast instantly killed both Master Sergeant Hosking and the Viet Cong. By absorbing the full force of the exploding grenade with his body and that of the enemy, he saved the other members of his command group from death or serious injury. Master Sergeant Hosking's risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest tradition of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/396
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