Official Home of the 4th Battalion/9th Infantry Regiment "Manchus" Vietnam
"Keep Up The Fire"
We welcome you to learn about our regiment; including pictures from vets who served with the Manchus in Vietnam 1966-1970 in and around Cu Chi and Tay Ninh; memorials of those we lost; reunion information and registration; and much more.
Featured Content
Company A Lt's Recon Flight Late 1967
In Memory Of The Fallen
Co. B - 1st Lt. Ruppert Leon Sargent from Hampton, Virginia - 29
Killed In Action March 15, 1967 in Hau Nghia Province
Awarded the Medal Of Honor for actions on March 15, 1967
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While leading a platoon of Company B, 1st Lt. Sargent was investigating a reported Viet Cong meetinghouse and weapons cache. A tunnel entrance which 1st Lt. Sargent observed was booby-trapped. He tried to destroy the booby trap and blow the cover from the tunnel using hand grenades, but this attempt was not successful. He and his demolition man moved in to destroy the booby trap and cover which flushed a Viet Cong soldier from the tunnel, who was immediately killed by the nearby platoon sergeant. First Lt. Sargent, the platoon sergeant, and a forward observer moved toward the tunnel entrance. As they approached, another Viet Cong emerged and threw two hand grenades that landed in the midst of the group. First Lt. Sargent fired three shots at the enemy then turned and unhesitatingly threw himself over the two grenades. He was mortally wounded, and his two companions were lightly wounded when the grenades exploded. By his courageous and selfless act of exceptional heroism, he saved the lives of the platoon sergeant and forward observer and prevented the injury or death of several other nearby comrades. First Lt. Sargent's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
For contributions, questions or comments contact: Admin/Historian - Ryan Tipton (Son of Lt. Richard Tipton Co. A/1st Platoon 67/68) at Rstipton2016@gmail.com