Private First Class Cordle distinguished himself by heroism in connection with ground operations against a hostile force on 15 September 1969 while serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company C, 5th Battalion 60th Infantry, 3rd Brigade 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date his platoon-size element was setting up in a night ambush position on the dikes of rice paddies when a platoon of North Vietnamese Army soldiers was seen approaching within ten feet of him before initiating the ambush. Though he was exposed to intense enemy automatic weapons fire and exploding enemy hand grenades, he continued to return fire and aid the gunner. After the enemy had been routed, Private Cordle administered first aid to the gunner who had been wounded by an enemy hand grenade. Private Cordle was instrumental in the destruction of eleven North Vietnamese Army soldiers, including one officer and the capture of two rifles, one machine gun and many grenades and rockets with no friendly casualties. Private First Class Cordle’s bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.