John H. Cunningham

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John H. Cunningham (RA14361273), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 588th Engineer Battalion, 79th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade. Staff Sergeant Cunningham distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 February 1968 in the vicinity of Thien Ngon. His platoon was ambushed by an estimated company of Viet Cong occupying concealed positions on both sides of a road. Disregarding his safety, Sergeant Cunningham moved from position to position to direct his men’s fire as the enemy troops began a ground assault. As the fire fight continued two of his three machine gunners were wounded, and Sergeant Cunningham held the attackers off by hurling hand grenades. When his troops ran low on ammunition, he exposed himself to a barrage of enemy bullets to re-supply them. The battle grew more intense and his platoon leader was killed. Sergeant Cunningham immediately took complete command of the unit, encouraging his men’s defense and administering first aid to the injured. When the Viet Cong were finally driven back and contact was broken, he organized and supervised the evacuation of the wounded. Staff Sergeant Cunningham’s extraordinary heroism 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.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4522 (September 28, 1968)