MSG Charles E. Hosking, Jr.

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

Master Sergeant Charles E. Hosking, Jr. (then Sergeant First Class), United States Army, Detachment A-302, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, greatly distinguished himself on 21 March 1967 while serving as Company Advisor in the III Corps Civilian Irregular Defense Group Reaction Battalion during combat operations in Don Luan District, Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam.

A Viet Cong suspect was apprehended and subsequently identified as a Viet Cong sniper. While Sergeant Hosking was preparing the enemy for movement back to the base camp, the prisoner suddenly grabbed a hand grenade from 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, Sergeant Hosking immediately leaped upon the Viet Cong's back. With utter disregard for his own 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 own until the grenade detonated. The blast instantly killed both Sergeant Hosking and the Viet Cong. By absorbing the full force of the exploding grenade with his own body and that of the enemy, he saved the other members of his command group from death or serious injury.

Sergeant Hosking's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country.