[3][4] On March 26, 1970, the hundred-strong Charlie Company of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, unwittingly entered into an area of dense jungle containing a complex of North Vietnamese bunkers and were pinned down by approximately 400 NVA troops.

[5][6][7][8] During the next few months before he returned to the United States, Poindexter applied for dozens of decorations to be awarded to members of his troop,[9] and wrote an unpublished account of the battle.

[6][9] Because the time elapsed was significant, and consequently not all individual medal claims could be sufficiently substantiated, Poindexter sought award of a Presidential Unit Citation to provide recognition to all members of Alpha Troop.

In late 2008, award of a Presidential Unit Citation was approved;[6][9] this was unveiled in California (11th Cavalry being stationed at Fort Irwin) in September, 2009.

On October 20, 2009, President Barack Obama presented attending Alpha Troop veterans with the Presidential Unit Citation at the White House.

[6][7] Philip Keith's 2012 Blackhorse Riders: A Desperate Last Stand, an Extraordinary Rescue Mission, and the Vietnam Battle America Forgot details the action and Poindexter's campaign for its recognition.

[4][14] Poindexter joined Salomon Brothers as an investment banker in New York City in 1971 while completing his doctorate,[9] and until 1985 worked in Venture Capital including a vice presidency at Smith Barney.