1LT Loren D. Hagen

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

First Lieutenant Loren D. Hagen, Infantry, United States Army Vietnam Training Advisory Group, distinguished himself in action in the Republic of Vietnam on August 7, 1971 while serving as the team leader of a small reconnaissance team operating deep within enemyheld territory. At approximately 0630 hours on the morning of August 7, 1971 the small team came under a fierce assault by a superior-sized enemy force using heavy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and rocket fire.

Lieutenant Hagen immediately began returning small arms fire upon the attackers and successfully led his team in repelling the first enemy onslaught. He then quickly deployed his men into more strategic defensive locations before the enemy struck again in an attempt to overrun and annihilate the beleaguered team's members.

Lieutenant Hagen repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire directed at him as he constantly moved about the team's perimeter, directing fire, rallying the members, and resupplying the team with ammunition, while courageously returning small arms and hand grenade fire in a valorous attempt to repel the advancing enemy force. The courageous actions and expert leadership abilities of Lieutenant Hagen were a great source of inspiration and instilled confidence in the team members.

After observing an enemy rocket make a direct hit on and destroy one of the team's bunkers, Lieutenant Hagen moved toward the wrecked bunker in a search for team members despite the fact that the enemy force now controlled the bunker area. With total disregard for his own personal safety, he crawled through the enemy fire while returning small arms fire upon the enemy force. Undaunted by the enemy rockets and grenades impacting all around him, Lieutenant Hagen desperately advanced upon the destroyed bunker until he was fatally wounded by enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire.

With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Hagen's courageous actions, high degree of professionalism and untiring efforts were a great inspiration to the entire team throughout the fierce battle. His gallant actions in the face of such overwhelming odds proved to be of inestimable value to his team.

First Lieutenant Hagen's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him and the United States Army.