On December 3, 1968, Ssgt. Cunningham was leading a long-range patrol through the forests of Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam, when his unit suddenly came under fire from hostile elements, with over 500 enemy troops converging on their 12-man team. Recognizing the danger to his men, Ssgt. Cunningham radioed in an air strike on key enemy positions and called for an extraction. Ssgt. Cunningham bravely exposed himself to the enemy fuselage and provide covering fire for his troops to retreat to the extraction point, including four of his men that had already been wounded. His unparalleled valor that fateful day demonstrated true devotion, as he laid down his life in the service of his country and defense of his brothers-in-arms.
Geographical location of Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam, where Ssgt. Cunningham was killed. Source: https://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Phuoc-Long-1/forecasts/latest