Francis Edward Powers, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Francis Edward Powers, Jr. (023-26-1612), Captain (Infantry), 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, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry (Americal) Division. Captain Powers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 October 1970 while serving as Company Commander during a combat assault operation near the village of An Kinh, Quang Ngai Province. Upon helicopter insertion into the landing zone, Captain Powers’ company was engaged by North Vietnamese Regulars, firing from well-concealed bunkers. Immediately Captain Powers raced across a fire-swept rice paddy in order to direct his company movements. After calling for air and artillery support, the captain led a five-man team on a rescue mission to retrieve friendly casualties located just meters from enemy bunkers. Amid a fusillade of enemy bullets, Captain Powers extracted numerous wounded ground troops to a safer position. During this rescue operation, Captain Powers was mortally wounded by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade. Captain Powers’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, 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. 1428 (April 28, 1971)