Clarence Szyiback

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Clarence Szyiback, Specialist Fourth Class, 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, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Szyiback distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 June 1969 while serving as a radio- telephone operator at Fire Support Base Crook in Tay Ninh Province. When the base came under intense rocket and mortar attack, Specialist Szyiback secured his radio and followed the company commander to the defensive perimeter to observe and report enemy movements. Exposing himself to the rain of enemy fire, he assisted in resupplying ammunition to troops in the bunkers. When the enemy blew gaps in the wire defenses and attempted to breach the perimeter, he helped organize and lead a reaction force which beat back the hostile surge. After the battle subsided, he moved with the command group through the combat area to inspect enemy casualties and equipment. As the group searched the area, a wounded enemy soldier threw an anti- tank grenade at the company commander. Specialist Szyiback unhesitatingly moved in front of the officer, deflected the armed weapons, and then picked it up and threw it. The grenade exploded s it left his hand, inflicting severe wounds on him. Specialist Four Szyiback’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. 3421 (1969)