Distinguished Service Cross – A-B

ABERNATHY, JOE V.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Joe V. Abernathy (0-5351930), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with B Company, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry, 1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized). First Lieutenant Abernathy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 October 1968 while serving as a platoon leader on a battalion search and clear mission in enemy held territory of northern I Corps. One of the companies encountered a formidable maze of enemy fortifications scattered among hedgerows and bamboo thickets. The enemy initiated a massive attack which pinned down the unit. In an effort to relieve the imperiled and hard-pressed company, Lieutenant Abernathy led his platoon in a charge up a steep hill, overrunning three mortar installations. During his assault, he personally shot and killed three North Vietnamese at point-blank range. Reconsolidating his platoon, he pressed on, covering two hundred meters before severe strafing fire deterred his advance. A quick evaluation revealed a single well-camouflaged battlement from which the automatic weapon salvos erupted. He immediately directed the firing of a light antitank weapon on the position. Then, braving hazardous barrages and sniper fire, he and two other men assaulted and overpowered the bunker. First Lieutenant Abernathy'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. 2029 (June 9, 1969)

ABOOD, EDMUND PETER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edmund Peter Abood (0-89022), Lieutenant Colonel (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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Lieutenant Colonel Abood distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 August 1967 while serving as Commanding Officer of an airborne infantry battalion on an airmobile assault mission deep in hostile territory. During the assault, Colonel Abood flew low through heavy ground fire to mark the landing zone and direct air strikes on enemy positions. Several helicopters were shot down and his craft received numerous hits, but he continued to brave intense Viet Cong machine gun fire until all elements had landed. Once on the ground, he moved through sniper fire to designate defensive positions to his men. A smoke grenade set the dry elephant grass in the area ablaze, but he exposed himself time after time to withering volleys to organize fire-fighting teams and stop the approaching flames. A short time later enemy tracers started a fire around his artillery position on an adjacent hill. Completely ignoring machine gun fire and flying shrapnel, he moved to the position to direct evacuation of his men. He single-handedly rescued a man overcome by the heat and carried him to safety. Throughout the night he moved along the perimeter fully exposed to enemy fire to direct his men in repelling repeated hostile probes. Mortar rounds and rifle fire struck all around him, but he remained in the open encouraging his men. In the morning he directed infiltration operations of his men to a more secure area. Throughout the evacuation he constantly remained exposed to persistent sniper fire all around him. His courageous actions and leadership prevented loss of men or equipment to the insurgents. Lieutenant Colonel Abood'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. 4968 (September 28, 1967)
Born: at Brooklyn, New York

ADDERLY, TYRONE J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Tyrone J. Adderly, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism and risk of life on 21 November 1970 while serving as a member of a Joint United States Task Force with the mission of rescuing American military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay, North Vietnam. While participating in the operation, Sergeant Adderly, a gunner and ground guide for one of the command elements, came under heavy fire as the element approached the enemy complex. With complete disregard for his own life, Sergeant Adderly advanced against the hostile position and neutralized the enemy with highly accurate M-79 grenade fire. As the force moved into the complex, Sergeant Adderly once again came under heavy automatic weapons fire. Unhesitatingly, he assaulted the enemy position and eliminated the threat to the force. His valorous actions contributed greatly to the successful conduct of the assigned mission without the loss of a single American life. Sergeant First Class Adderly's extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit on him and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 32 (July 13, 1971)

ADKINS, BENNIE G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Bennie G. Adkins (RA54193612), Sergeant First 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 Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Adkins distinguished himself during the period 9 March 1966 to 12 March 1966 during combat operations at Camp A Shau, Republic of Vietnam. When the camp was attacked by a large Viet Cong force, Sergeant First Class Adkins rushed through intense hostile fire and manned a mortar position. Although he was wounded, he ran through exploding mortar rounds and dragged several of his comrades to safety. When the hostile fire subsided, Sergeant First Class Adkins exposed himself to sporadic sniper fire and carried his wounded comrades to the camp dispensary. During the evacuation of a seriously wounded American, Sergeant First Class Adkins maneuvered outside the camp walls to draw fire and successfully covered the rescue. During the early morning hours of 10 March 1966, a Viet Cong regiment launched their main attack. Within two hours, Sergeant First Class Adkins was the only man firing a mortar weapon. Although he was painfully wounded and most of his crew was killed or wounded, he fought off the fanatical waves of attacking Viet Cong. After withdrawing to a communications bunker where several Americans were attempting to fight off a company of Viet Cong, Sergeant First Class Adkins killed numerous insurgents with his suppressive fire. Running extremely low on ammunition, he returned to the mortar pit, gathered the vital ammunition, and ran through intense fire back to the communications bunker. After being ordered to evacuate the camp, all signal equipment and classified documents were destroyed. Sergeant First Class Adkins and a small group of men fought their way out of the camp and evaded the Viet Cong for two days until they were rescued by a helicopter. Sergeant First Class Adkins' extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Waurika, Oklahoma
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1957 (April 30, 1967)

AGUIRRE, JIMMY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jimmy Aguirre (RA15955856), Specialist Fifth 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Five Aguirre distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 December 1967 as platoon medic of an infantry company conducting a waterborne reconnaissance mission in Dinh Tuong Province. The unit was patrolling a small canal aboard armored troop carriers when it was violently ambushed by an estimated Viet Cong heavy weapons company deployed on both sides of the canal. Specialist Aguirre's platoon immediately landed and led an assault on the enemy through a barrage of rocket, automatic weapons and rifle grenade fire. Hearing cries for medical aid from two comrades who had fallen fifty meters from his position, Specialist Aguirre raced across a bullet swept open field toward the casualties. He was hit and painfully sounded by fragments from an exploding enemy rocket. Ignoring his wounds he fired at the insurgents as he continued to move through the withering hostile fusillade. Upon reaching the wounded men, Specialist Aguirre skillfully administered first aid and moved them to a position of relative safety. He then returned to the battlefield and maneuvered toward two more casualties. Although wounded again by automatic weapons fire and flying shrapnel, he treated the soldiers and pulled them to cover. Detecting yet another wounded comrade lying near the Viet Cong positions, Specialist Aguirre refused medical aid for himself and crawled toward the smitten man. He was struck a third time by rocket fragments, but gallantly moved forward in the face of devastating fire and dragged his comrade to safety. Despite the pain of over fifty separate shrapnel and bullet wounds, he saved the lives of five unit members through sheer determination. Specialist Five Aguirre'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. 1414 (March 29, 1968)

*ALAMO, GABRIEL RALPH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Gabriel Ralph Alamo, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving an opposing armed force in the Republic of Viet Nam on 6 July 1964. As a team Sergeant, serving with the United States Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong, Sergeant Alamo displayed bravery, fortitude, and perseverance when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full scale, pre dawn attack on the Camp. During the violent battle that ensued, lasting five hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, he participated with outstanding effectiveness in defending the installation. Upon the initial onslaught, he promptly directed a radio operator to transmit a message requesting support, and then rushed into a blazing building to assist in the removal of weapons and ammunition. Ignoring the burns he received while in the burning structure, he then ran through a hail of enemy gunfire to a 60-mm. mortar position and set the weapon for firing. As he noticed the enemy attempting to breach the main gate, he again dashed through a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire to abort the hostile action. Although he sustained a serious wound in this courageous action, he demonstrated superhuman effort, reached the gate, and prevented entry of enemy troops. Despite his wound, and intense grenade attack, he reached the 60- mm. mortar pit, refused evacuation for medical treatment, ad directed the fire of the 60-mm. mortar while simultaneously manning a 57-mm. recoilless rifle. Undaunted by the vicious enemy assault, he remained at his battle position and defended the camp until mortally wounded by the enemy. Sergeant Alamo's valiant efforts and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (March 9, 1965)
Home Town: Lyndhurst, New Jersey

ALLEN, GEORGE C. D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George C. D. Allen (RA14686265), 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 Detachment A-223, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Staff Sergeant Allen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 and 11 May 1968 while serving as a Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese mobile strike force on a search and clear operation in the 506 Valley near Camp Ha Tay. His unit was attacked from three sides by an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion armed with mortars, small arms and automatic weapons. The battle had raged for an hour when the friendly force's commander was killed. Sergeant Allen took command immediately and led an assault on the enemy troops, routing them from an area which was suitable for a landing zone. Remaining exposed to intense hostile fire, he then directed the helicopter evacuation of his casualties and the unloading of a badly needed ammunition re-supply. Moving from platoon to platoon, he next insured that each of his men had received ammunition, and he then directed air strikes, gunship runs and artillery fire around his besieged company. As the situation grew more critical, he organized his men for a breakout, led them through a hail of enemy fire coming from positions as near as ten feet, and succeeded in joining with a sister company which was also under heavy attack. In the early morning hours of 11 May the combined elements came under an intense ground assault and mortar fire. As the casualties mounted, Sergeant Allen soon found himself in command of both companies. He also discovered that all radios had been damaged, leaving his force without vital communications. Ignoring his own safety, Sergeant Allen moved through a hail of fire to collect four of the radios and from these he pieced together one which was operative. Again exposing himself to the relentless barrage, he then directed his artillery to within fifty meters of his perimeter, forcing the North Vietnamese to withdraw. Staff Sergeant Allen'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. 4251 (September 9, 1968)

ALLEN, HULON C., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Hulon C. Allen, Jr. (0-5334633), First Lieutenant (Military Police Corps), 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, 716th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Group, 18th Military Police Brigade. First Lieutenant Allen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 December 1968 while checking security posts at night in the Gia Dinh area of Saigon. As he was traveling by jeep between posts, he was struck on the shoulder by a grenade. Immediately shouting a warning to two other passengers, he attempted to toss the grenade, but was unable to grasp it as it rolled around on the floor of the moving vehicle. Throwing himself on the deadly missile, he shielded his comrades until they escaped. He then jumped from the jeep and managed to dive for cover just as the grenade exploded. First Lieutenant Allen'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. 141 (January 13, 1969)

ALLEN, LAWRENCE W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lawrence W. Allen, Sergeant First 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 C, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Platoon Sergeant Allen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 June 1969 during a sweep operation fifteen miles northeast of Tay Ninh. Encountering hostile fire from a wood line, the company placed its armored personnel carriers on line and advanced toward the enemy positions. Sergeant Allen moved from man to man directing their assault. When his radio- telephone operator was wounded, Sergeant Allen relieved him of the radio and carried it throughout the ensuing battle. While assaulting an enemy bunker, he was wounded by grenade fragmentation, but he continued toward the fortification until he could silence it with accurately-thrown grenades. As the batted raged on, Sergeant Allen observed an armored vehicle receive a rocket-propelled grenade. Without hesitation, he dashed through a curtain of hostile fire to reach the damaged personnel carrier. Removing the wounded gunner, he manned the fifty-caliber machine gun and unleashed a fusillade of suppressive fire so intense that other men were able to approach the track and evacuate the wounded. After relinquishing the machine gun, he returned to his men who were pinned down by machine gun fire from a nearby bunker. Sergeant Allen and one of his men stormed the machine gun emplacement. When the other man was wounded, Sergeant Allen continued until, he too, was shot. Despite the painful wounds, Sergeant Allen crawled forward and threw a grenade into the bunker. Platoon Sergeant Allen'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. 3400 (September 4, 1969)

*ALLEN, TERRY DELAMESA, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Terry DeLaMesa Allen, Jr. (0-66606), Lieutenant Colonel (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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Allen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 October 1967 while serving as Commanding Officer of an infantry battalion on a search and destroy operation near Chon Thanh. While moving to locate a suspected enemy base camp, a forward patrol of his unit detected a lone Viet Cong soldier and noises that indicated others were in the area. The element immediately deployed in an attempt to engage the insurgents. It was suddenly attacked by a large enemy force, and Colonel Allen quickly positioned the remainder of his men in a defensive perimeter, established radio contact with the beleaguered patrol, and ordered its withdrawal to his position so that artillery and air strikes could be directed on the hostile positions. As the forward element began to pull back, the main force's flank was savagely attacked with devastating automatic weapons, rocket and claymore weapons fire. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Colonel Allen repeatedly exposed himself to the withering barrage and moved among his men, skillfully directing the defenses and encouraging his troops to fight fiercely against the determined attackers. Accurate concentrations of enemy fire inflicted numerous casualties to his men and he was seriously wounded himself, but he refused medical attention and remained in the open to control the defenses and the movement of the forward element which was still attempting to join his main force. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men in the face of overwhelming odds. His fearless actions in the heat of battle inspired his unit to staunchly defend its critical position until reinforcements arrived and the hostile forces were decisively defeated. Lieutenant Colonel Allen's 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. 6615 (December 26, 1967)
Home Town: El Paso, Texas

ALLEY, LEE B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lee B. Alley (0-5233466), First Lieutenant (Armor), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Battalion (Mechanized), 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Alley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 November 1967 as leader of a platoon providing security for a fire support base in Ding Tuong Province. In the early morning hours, a Viet Cong battalion directed a coordinated mortar and ground attack on the platoon's perimeter. The numerically superior enemy soon closed on the unit's position, and Lieutenant alley decided to withdraw to a more defensible location near the artillery camp which was across a river. Braving savage fire, he exposed himself to the enemy weapons and directed his men to the stream, personally pulling a wounded comrade to the bank. Completely disregarding his safety, he then returned to his original position and poured murderous fire into the advancing enemy ranks to cover the movement of his troops. Heedless of a painful wound, he fought furiously until he ran out of ammunition. After obtaining another weapon and grenades, he continued his valiant fight until his men reached safety. He then maneuvered to join them and, after crossing the river, he sighted four soldiers remaining on the opposite side who were pinned down by heavy fire. Lieutenant Alley returned through a curtain of bullets to reach them and lead them back across the river to the new perimeter. He then directed ravaging air, artillery and gunship strikes on the insurgents which forced them to flee the battlefield in disorder. First Lieutenant Alley'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. 2385 (May 20, 1968)

*ALVARADO, LEONARD LOUIS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Leonard Louis Alvarado (555-70-3674), 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 D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Specialist Four Alvarado distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 August 1969 while serving as a rifleman during a mission to relieve a beleaguered sister platoon in Phuoc Long Province. As he and other members of the small reaction force moved through dense jungle, Specialist Alvarado detected enemy movement and opened fire. Despite his quick reaction, he and his comrades were quickly pinned down by the hostile force that blocked the path to the trapped platoon. Specialist Alvarado quickly moved forward through the hostile machine gun fire in order to engage the enemy troops. Suddenly an enemy grenade exploded nearby, wounding and momentarily stunning him. Retaliating immediately, he killed the grenadier just as another enemy barrage wounded him again. He crawled forward through the fusillade to pull several comrades back within the hastily-formed perimeter. Realizing that his element must break away from the hostile force, he began maneuvering forward alone. Though repeatedly thrown to the ground by exploding satchel charges, he continued advancing and firing, silencing several emplacements, including one enemy machine gun position. From his dangerous forward position, he persistently laid suppressive fire on the hostile forces, and after the enemy troops had broken contact, his comrades discovered that he had succumbed to his wounds. Specialist Four Alvarado's 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. 3942 (October 23, 1969)
Home Town: Bakersfield, California

AMES, LAWRENCE J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lawrence J. Ames, Sergeant First 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 Advisory Team 17, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Ames distinguished himself while serving as Operations/Intelligence Advisor, Tra Bong District, Quang Nai Province. During the early morning hours of 8 September 1970, the Tra Bong District Headquarters came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and motor attack. Sergeant Ames and his teammates in the sleeping quarters responded immediately to the initial trust of the assault by maneuvering quickly to a bunker along the compound's perimeter. Upon reaching the entrenchment, Sergeant Ames observed that many of his comrades had sustained injuries and were without medical supplies. Despite the peril presented by impacting motor rounds in the vicinity of the team house, Sergeant Ames raced to his quarters to secure an emergency first aid kit, returning to the bunker amid a hail of bullets. After assuring that the wounded would be cared for, Sergeant Ames learned that the unit's radioman had been knocked from his feet in a blast and was forced to abandon the transmitter due to the heavy volume of hostile fire directed at him. Without hesitation, the sergeant exposed himself to volleys of enemy motor rounds and small arms bullets as he sprinted to the area in which the radio had been dropped. Sergeant Ames was unsuccessful in his search and was forced to return to the bunker. Realizing the dire necessity for the establishment of radio communications, Sergeant Ames once again ventured from the security of the entrenchment to locate the transmitter. Ignoring the myriad motor rounds falling around him, the sergeant searched the fire swept area and returned to the safety of the bunker only when he had possession of the radio. The blast had damaged a vital part of the transmitter, rendering it inoperable. Undaunted, Sergeant Ames raced from his secure position to the team house and retrieved the necessary electronic component. At this point the battle reached its crescendo. Every officer in the unit had been incapacitated by wounds, leaving the men without leadership. Sergeant Ames immediately took charge of the faltering troops and through his intrepid example, inspired his beleaguered comrades to rally and overcome the foe, forcing the enemy to retreat. Sergeant Ames' 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. 129 (January 14, 1971)

ANAGNOSOTOPOULOS, JAMES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James Anagnosotopoulos (US27895175), Private First 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Private First Class Anagnosotopoulos distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 February 1968 while serving as a company medic during a search and destroy operation southwest of Kontum City. Contact was made with a North Vietnamese Army company, and several members of his unit's lead element were wounded in the first moments of the ensuing fire fight. Despite heavy concentrations of automatic weapons fire, Private Anagnosotopoulos raced across one hundred and fifty meters of open terrain to treat his wounded comrades. After pulling a seriously injured platoon leader to cover and giving him first aid, he moved forward to three casualties who were within ten meters of an enemy machine gun. As he worked on the wounded the North Vietnamese machine gunner raised up and began firing on his position. Private Anagnosotopoulos killed the enemy soldier with his pistol. He then completed giving aid to the three men and also treated two new casualties amid hostile sniper fire and hand grenades directed against him. He next organized the evacuation of his patients to a helicopter landing zone, personally carrying three of the wounded through the continuing enemy fire. When heavy fighting erupted a second time, Private Anagnosotopoulos rushed across one hundred meters of exposed land and aided in the rescue of five more wounded comrades. Private First Class Anagnosotopoulos' 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. 4758 (October 14, 1968)

ANDERSON, ANTHONY C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Anthony C. Anderson, 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 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, attached to the United States Army Vietnam Training Advisory Group (TF1AE), U.S. Army Vietnam Training Support Headquarters. Sergeant Anderson distinguished himself on 7 August 1971 while serving as the assistant leader of a small reconnaissance team operating deep within enemy territory. On that date, his small team came under assault by enemy heavy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and rocket fire. Sergeant Anderson returned such a volume of M-60 machine gun fire that he single-handedly drove the assaulting enemy force back. While the enemy was regrouping, he quickly placed his team members in strategic locations to ward off the inevitable attack. During the ensuing battle, he expertly directed his portion of the team in returning heavy suppressive fire while he returned a deadly volume of machine gun fire himself. He then returned a heavy barrage of hand grenade fire upon the advancing enemy force in an attempt to repel their assault. As the enemy force threw hand grenades at his position, Sergeant Anderson began picking the grenades up and throwing them back. Although wounded by an enemy grenade, he led his portion of the team in returning a volume of fire upon the enemy force, successfully gaining fire superiority and driving them back once again. When his team leader had been fatally wounded, Sergeant Anderson assumed command of the team and ordered them to prepare for extraction, providing them with heavy cover fire. With the aid of air strikes, the small team successfully suppressed the heavy enemy fire to sporadic shots. Sergeant Anderson then remained on the ground providing the extraction craft and the remainder of the team with heavy cover fire before he himself was extracted. His bravery and expert leadership abilities were directly responsible for repelling the repeated enemy assaults and preventing the enemy force from overrunning his entire team. Sergeant Anderson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3395 (November 30, 1971)

*ANDRADE, KENNETH SOARES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Kenneth Soares Andrade (RA29045072), Sergeant First 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 A, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Platoon Sergeant Andrade distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 February 1968 as acting platoon leader during an attack on his unit's perimeter near Dak To. While providing defense for the battalion fire base, his unit was subjected to a savage ground assault by a large North Vietnamese Army force. Sergeant Andrade exposed himself to deadly automatic weapons, grenade and small arms fire and moved around his perimeter shouting commands, pointing out targets and giving words of encouragement to his men. As he rose to move one of the more seriously wounded men to the ambulance helicopter landing zone, an enemy grenade landed near him. Sergeant Andrade picked up the grenade and threw it back at several enemy soldiers who were firing from behind a large tree to his front. He then picked up the wounded man and carried him across the perimeter to the landing zone under a hail of bullets. As he returned to the fight, a grenade exploded nearby, mortally wounding him. His valiant and selfless leadership inspired his men to greater efforts and they defeated the determined enemy. Platoon Sergeant Andrade's 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. 2874 (June 17, 1968)
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii

ARCHIBALD, ROBERT S.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert S. Archibald (US56828431), 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 C, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). Specialist Four Archibald distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 31 January 1968 as radio telephone operator of an infantry unit on a combat mission near Ho Nai. When a long range reconnaissance patrol sighted a large enemy force moving toward his brigade's base camp, Specialist Archibald's unit moved to engage the Viet Cong. A raging battle ensured, and his force was greatly outnumbered. Fighting furiously, the friendly forces pushed the Viet Cong back. Specialist Archibald and two comrades had just crossed a cemetery when enemy elements attacked from a position in open graves. Disregarding his personal safety, he moved from the security of a ditch and took up a position behind a partially destroyed pillar. Calling for grenades from his comrades, he stepped into the open and threw one at the enemy position delivering the heaviest fire. The insurgents threw them back, and it exploded nearby. After throwing two more grenades and having them thrown back, he charged the open grave and killed four insurgents with deadly fire. The Viet Cong concentrated a withering barrage on him, but he fearlessly and methodically moved through the cemetery and routed the enemy from their positions. Braving a hail of fire, he personally killed twelve Viet Cong with accurate bursts from his weapon. His fearless actions were instrumental in overwhelming the insurgents and forcing them to withdraw. Specialist Four Archibald'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. 2691 (June 5, 1968)

ARMENT, DIXON G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Dixon G. Arment (RA16722766), 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. On 5 October 1965, Specialist Arment was accompanying his unit, Company A, 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade, on a search and destroy mission in the vicinity of Bien Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. The battalion soon came under a heavy insurgent attack and Specialist Arment's platoon was given the mission of making a flanking assault to destroy several hostile machine gun emplacements which were directing extremely accurate fire into the battalion positions. As the platoon maneuvered forward, it was subjected to a deadly hail of Viet Cong automatic weapons fire which split the friendly force into two separate groups. As the battle raged on, Specialist Arment's small group fought to within close range of the insurgent trenches and observed that a contingent of Viet Cong reinforcements were moving into the area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Specialist Arment quickly charged into the midst of the advancing hostile force, despite a murderous barrage of grenades and automatic weapons fire which immediately engulfed him, and continued to move forward to within inches of the insurgent machine guns, killing seven insurgents and completely disrupting the Viet Cong's reinforcement attempt. Notwithstanding the fact that he was wounded by a burst of hostile fire which hit him in the face, Specialist Arment continued to place devastating fire upon the insurgents until he was ordered to the rear for medical treatment. Despite painful wounds, he returned again and again to the battle area, carrying ammunition and aiding the evacuation of wounded personnel. Specialist Arment's extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 45 (February 28, 1966)

ARMSTRONG, LESTER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lester Armstrong (RA55646856), 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 C, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Sergeant Armstrong distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 November 1966 while serving as squad leader of a unit during a search and destroy mission near Tay Ninh. While moving forward to augment the fire of another American unit, his platoon became pinned down by the fire of a Viet Cong machine gun emplacement. As the platoon maneuvered, six insurgents flanked them and stopped their assault. At this time, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Armstrong grabbed a machine gun and charged directly into the intense hostile fire. Although wounded, he increased his fire and killed the six protecting the bunker. He then attacked the machine gun bunker, killing three insurgents. Through his courage, his unit advanced without further casualties. Sergeant Armstrong'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. 6880 (December 16, 1966)

ARMSTRONG, ROBERT E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert E. Armstrong, 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 C, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Armstrong distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 March 1959 while serving as a radio- telephone operator during a combat sweep operation south of Hill 947 near Polei Kleng in Kontum Province. While making assessments of friendly air strikes in the area, Specialist Armstrong's platoon came under attack from a North Vietnamese force using grenades, rifles and rockets. Realizing that the enemy had surrounded the platoon, the Company Commander set up a hasty perimeter. Suddenly a rocket hit the command post directly, killing or wounding all the officers and noncommissioned officers. Although wounded himself, Specialist Armstrong took charge of the element, reorganizing defensive positions and setting up aid for casualties. He then established radio contact with the battalion operations center and guided in artillery and air support. When two other platoons from his unit came to relieve the beleaguered element, Specialist Armstrong directed them against the weakest of the enemy's positions. With coordinated efforts, the two platoons broke through the encircling hostile force to reinforce Specialist Armstrong's perimeter. With the threat of being overrun reduced, Specialist Armstrong proceeded to carry the wounded to the temporary landing zone. Braving the heavy fire again and again, he led parties to the evacuation site, and only after all the other wounded were extracted did he allow himself to be treated for his wounds. Specialist Four Armstrong'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. 3905 (October 18, 1969)

*ARONHALT, CHARLES E., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Charles E. Aronhalt, Jr. (0-5226952), First Lieutenant (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, 8th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Aronhalt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 May 1967 while serving as platoon leader during a search and destroy mission in Pleiku Province. When another platoon of his company received devastating fire, Lieutenant Aronhalt requested that his platoon be sent to aid the stricken unit. As he led his men forward, however, the entire company began receiving intense fire from numerous concealed positions. Lieutenant Aronhalt tried to pull his men back, but they were unable to leave their cover. Since the platoon couldn't maneuver in any direction, he positioned his machine guns to strengthen the unit's defensive posture. He tried to form a perimeter, but was prevented by the hostile fire sweeping his positions. Seeing several wounded men, Lieutenant Aronhalt again tried to move his men forward. Unable to do this, he personally fought his way through the intense crossfire and began pulling the wounded to safety. He repeatedly entered the exposed area and fought his way out with wounded men over his shoulder. Seeing that casualties were mounting faster than he could carry them out, he stood up and charged the insurgents alone. His rifle jammed as he ran, but he picked up a machine gun and continued charging and firing steadily to give his men a chance to withdraw. Lieutenant Aronhalt was mortally wounded in the successful attempt at drawing the fire from his men. His valiant actions prevented the Viet Cong from taking the lime of any one of his men. First Lieutenant Aronhalt's 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. 3832 (July 27, 1967)
Home Town: Cumberland, Maryland

*ARSENAULT, RICHARD ROLAND
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard Roland Arsenault (024-32-4569), 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 Advisory Team, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Arsenault distinguished himself on 26 May 1972 while serving as the Operations/Intelligence advisor on a combat operation with the 12th Regional Force Group in Duc Hue District, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. As the 12th Group moved to link up with a friendly unit, an entrenched company size enemy force prepared to initiate an ambush. At the last moment Sergeant Arsenault sensed the ambush and saw a B-40 rocket being fired. He shouted a warning, knocked another American advisor aside and blocked the B-40 round with his body, deliberately sacrificing his life to save the lives of those around him. His heroic and selfless action unquestionably saved the life of the other American advisor and their interpreter and also preserved the 12th Group command element. By saving the command structure from destruction, he made a swift reaction to the ambush possible and prevented it from becoming a disaster. Staff Sergeant Arsenault's 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. 1633 (July 24, 1972)
Home Town: Southbridge, Massachusetts

*BAHL, WALTER TIMOTHY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Walter Timothy Bahl (RA16918048), 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 D, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 December 1968 as a medic on a reconnaissance-in-force mission northeast of Quan Loi. His company made contact with an estimated battalion-size North Vietnamese Army force located in well concealed positions and armed with automatic and semi-automatic weapons, rockets and mortars. Specialist Bahl immediately went to the aid of his comrades and, after evacuating all of the injured members of his element to a medical evacuation site, rushed to the platoon which was engaged in treating and carrying them to the evacuation point, the waist-high grass in which several of the casualties lay was ignited by the constant enemy barrage. Working feverishly, he rescued the men and then used his shirt to beat out the fire before he was forced back by the spreading flames, suffering burns and near exhaustion. Hearing a cry for a medic, he again risked the weathering hostile fire to reach the stricken soldier. He was painfully wounded by an enemy grenade as he started to render medical aid, but fearlessly began to pull the man to safety. Although wounded a second time, he still continued his attempt to remove his comrade until he was struck a third time by the hostile fusillade and was mortally wounded. Specialist Four Bahl's 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. 1140 (April 2, 1969)
Home Town: Denver, Colorado

BAHNSEN, JOHN C., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John C. Bahnsen, Jr. (0-73597), Major (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Bahnsen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 January 1969 as Commanding Officer, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Informed of a sizable enemy force, Major Bahnsen landed at the hostile area, reconnoitered and marked a landing zone for a rifle platoon in full view of the hostile troops. Leaving the site, he saw fifteen communists and engaged them with his rifle, firing from the window of his helicopter. He killed two of the enemy and remained at a low altitude to direct additional fire upon them until his crew chief was seriously wounded by the hostile barrage which struck their ship. Major Bahnsen evacuated the crew chief, refueled and rearmed, and sped back to the battle. Again taking the communists under fire and forcing them to a confined area, he marked their position and directed five air strikes against them, while at the same time controlling four separate rifle platoons. Intense enemy fire crippled his ship[, forcing him to aquifer another aircraft. On his return, Major Bahnsen landed to guide in the lift ships carrying an additional infantry unit, and then led a rifle platoon through dense terrain to personally capture were evacuated by helicopter, he remained on the ground and led the squad two kilometers back to friendly positions. Major Bahnsen'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. 1096 (March 31, 1969)

BAILEY, HENRY M., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Henry M. Bailey, Jr. (RA25128255), Sergeant First 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 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. During the period 9 to 14 December 1964, Sergeant Bailey was serving as one of two Special Forces advisors to an eight-man Vietnamese reconnaissance patrol in the Nui Tien Du Mountain area, Khanh Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. On 9 December, the patrol infiltrated a Viet Cong stronghold for the purpose of pinpointing targets and estimating insurgent strength in the area. On 11 December, after successfully completing the mission, the patrol was directed by radio to select a landing site for helicopters to airlift them back to the base of operations. As the evacuation aircraft approached the area, the patrol suddenly came under a heavy concentration of hostile fire. Sergeant Bailey who was in an exposed area waved the helicopters off to prevent them from being shot down. As the patrol was forced to withdraw, Sergeant Bailey noticed a member of the patrol had been wounded and was lying in the line of hostile fire. Notwithstanding the intense hail of fire-power being directed at his fallen comrade's position, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Bailey immediately rushed forward to aid the wounded man. This action served to draw the insurgent's fire on himself and allowed the remaining members of the patrol to withdraw safely. Subsequently, after reaching the wounded patrol member, Sergeant Bailey with the aid of the other Special Forces Sergeant, carried the wounded Vietnamese team member from the ambush site. However, the trio again ran into a Viet Cong platoon and was unable to avoid the insurgents because of the wounded man. The two Sergeants then engaged the hostile platoon with accurate fire, forcing them to take cover, which enabled the duo and their wounded comrade to move safely away. As they continued their withdrawal, they came upon an insurgent outpost and by placing accurate fire on that position, the embattled sergeants were able to annihilate it completely. During the following day, despite their hazardous position, being out of food, low on ammunition, and the fact that the area was being drenched by torrential rainfall, Sergeant Bailey on two occasions waved off friendly helicopters because of the heavy concentration of Viet Cong in the area. Undaunted, Sergeant Bailey continued to proceed in the direction of a cleared landing area. As they neared the proposed pick-up site they came upon a Vietnamese hamlet which was infested by Viet Cong insurgents. Realizing that his comrade required immediate medical attention, Sergeant Bailey cautiously moved through the hostile village and miraculously reached the airlift evacuation site. After being airlifted to safety, Sergeant Bailey was able to provide operations with valuable information which enabled friendly forces to subdue the Viet Cong invested village and free some fifty-eight families which were being held prisoners by the insurgents. Sergeant Bailey's extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters: US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 72 (March 30, 1966)

BAILEY, OTIS J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Otis J. Bailey (US52968081), Private First 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 Troop I, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Private First Class Bailey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 November, 1968 as a medical aidman with a dismounted patrol searching a hillside for a report Viet Cong platoon. As the patrol moved down the jungle trail, it suddenly came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well camouflaged and heavily fortified bunker complex. Disregarding his safety, Private Bailey braved the fierce enemy fire to assist the three lead men, who had been wounded by the initial volley. He quickly treated the most critically injured trooper and, carrying him on his back, crawled out of the communist; field of fire. Returning to within two meters of the hostile strongholds, he aided another of the wounded men and brought him through a deluge of enemy machine gun fire and hand grenades to the patrol's rear. After administering to the third casualty who had been able to reach relative safety, he spotted two more wounded soldiers and again faced the communist fusillade to aid his injured comrades. Private First Class Bailey's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty where 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. 685 (February 26, 1969)
Born: July 6, 1945 at Cocoa, Florida

BAILEY, STEPHEN F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Stephen F. Bailey (US53611644), Sergeant [then 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 Troop B, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Bailey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 December 1968 as commander of an armored personnel carrier near the village of Trang Bang. While his troops was nearing a battle site, it came under intense automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Spotting an enemy rocket-propelled grenade team, Sergeant Bailey maneuvered to within twenty meters of their emplacement and killed them with accurate machine gun fire. When another track received a direct hit, he fearlessly dismounted his vehicle and crossed the bullet-swept terrain to help the wounded crew members. Despite a painful wound, he returned to his carrier after administering first aid and carrying a seriously injured man to safety. Moments later another track was disabled by an enemy round and he again ran to the vehicle and attempted to drive it from the communists' line of fire. Finding that he needed assistance, he moved through the hostile barrage and returned with another man, throwing grenades into enemy emplacements only twenty meters away before reaching the track and driving it out of the endangered area. Sergeant Bailey'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. 1454 (April 26, 1969)

BAKER, ELDON L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Eldon L. Baker, 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 as a Squad Leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. On 7 February 1966, while engaged in a combat mission to relieve elements of a rifle company which was pinned down by a well-fortified and numerically superior Viet Cong force, Sergeant Baker maneuvered his squad to a position approximately one hundred meters from the hostile main battle emplacements. Continuing to evince his indomitable courage, he crawled across a rice paddy under a hail of withering gun fire to reach the enemy position. Although he sustained multiple wounds by enemy gun fire during this action, he turned and rallied his men to continue the advance. Undaunted by a throat wound which impaired his speech, he crawled to a second enemy position, signaling his men to follow him. He then pulled himself to his feet and used his pistol to destroy the enemy within the bunker, making it possible for his squad to advance and rout the enemy completely. When medical and evacuation facilities were available, he refused medical attention and evacuation until all of the wounded received medical treatment. Sergeant Baker's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism on the battlefield, and deep concern for his fellow soldiers are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 42 (October 4, 1966)

BAKER, WALTER L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Walter L. Baker (US67153250), 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 A, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). Specialist Four Baker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 April 1968 as a rifleman on a reconnaissance-in-force mission twelve mile northeast of Bien Hoa. when his company encountered an estimated battalion of well-entrenched North Vietnamese Regulars, his platoon was pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons and rocket fire. Courageously moving through a hail of enemy bullets, Specialist Baker silenced one hostile emplacement with rifle fire. As he advanced toward a second bunker, he was wounded in the leg and back by an enemy sniper. As he lay on the battlefield, he saw communist troops setting up a machine gun on a trail facing his platoon. Ignoring his painful wounds, he assaulted the machine gun position, eliminating it with rifle fire and grenades. Despite seven additional wounds received during this attack, he succeeded in capturing the enemy position. He then called to his comrades to follow him. As they advanced, he used the captured machine gun to lay down a heavy base of fire on the North Vietnamese. Only after he had shown members of his platoon the location of other hostile emplacements did he allow himself to be evacuated. His valiant actions allowed his comrades to move into the bunker complex and completely rout the aggressors from their positions. Specialist Four Baker'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. 4338 (September 12, 1968)

*BALDWIN, NORMAN EARL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Norman Earl Baldwin (0-5233469), Captain (Armor), 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 Detachment B-20, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Baldwin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1968 as the commander of a mobile strike force company engaged in relieving the besieged Duc Lap Special Forces camp. During as assault on a hill occupied by an estimated North Vietnamese Army company, he found himself alone and under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Shouting encouragement to his men to follow him, he rushed forward and single-handedly wiped out an enemy bunker, killing three aggressors. Seeing this heroic act on the part of their commander, his troops began to advance. Twenty feet from the crest of the hill Captain Baldwin and his company came under a withering barrage of small arms and automatic weapons fire from hostile positions southwest of their line of assault. Captain Baldwin placed a burst of fire on the enemy emplacements from an exposed position, inspiring his men to also locate and bring fire against them. He continued to lead the assault in the face of a hail of bullets, and when he had nearly reached the top of the hill he was mortally wounded by the North Vietnamese fusillade. Captain Baldwin's 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. 4559 (October 1, 1968)
Home Town: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

*BALLARD, MEL ROY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Mel Roy Ballard, 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 C, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). On 18 April 1968 Company C was conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation through dense jungle vegetation in Bien Hoa Province when it came under violent small arms, automatic weapons and rocket fire from a well-entrenched, camouflaged enemy force. Demonstrating calm, decisive leadership, Sergeant Ballard reorganized his squad, maneuvered them on line and directed their return fire. As the company assaulted the entrenched enemy, it encountered a devastating fusillade of automatic weapons, claymore mine and rocket fire from the hostile positions which seriously wounded Sergeant Ballard and other members of his unit. Ordered to withdraw so that artillery barrages could be called in on the hostile positions, Sergeant Ballard observed several wounded comrades to his front. Refusing to withdraw, he remained in his position to provide covering fire and evacuate the wounded. In an inspiring display of courage and determination, Sergeant Ballad disregarded his own painful wounds and moved unhesitatingly through the dense vegetation, enemy fire, and supporting artillery barrages for more than three hours, carrying the wounded men to safety. When supporting artillery fire was lifted, Sergeant Ballard persisted in his valiant efforts to remove all the wounded from the battle area. As he moved toward a wounded man, he was struck down and mortally wounded by fragments from an exploding enemy rocket. Through his indomitable Spirit and profound courage, Sergeant Ballard saved the lives of six men and enabled the company to destroy the enemy force. Sergeant Ballard's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 58 (September 24, 1969)
Home Town: Redding, California

BANKS, CHARLES J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles J. Banks (0-5306603), 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 221st Aviation Company, 13th Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade. Captain Banks distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 December 1966 while serving as platoon leader of a reconnaissance airplane company with which he was conducting a ground briefing assembly at Can Tho Army Air Base. During the meeting, Captain Banks observed a Viet Cong terrorist arise from the tall grass and throw a hand grenade between two nearby 5,000 gallon fuel tanks. Realizing the possibility of the annihilation of his men and equipment, he immediately sounded the alarm and rushed toward the grenade. Completely disregarding his own life, he jumped on the grenade and covered it with his own body. After ascertaining that his men were out of immediate danger, Captain Banks leaped to his feet and hurled the grenade back in the direction of the terrorist. It exploded in the air but failed to ignite the highly vulnerable fuel containers. Unaware of the extent to which the attack was being initiated, Captain Banks quickly secured his rifle and fired into the hostile position, while simultaneously directing his men into a perimeter defense. His courage and aggressiveness were singularly responsible for the preservation of the lives of his men. Captain Banks' 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. 3516 (July 12, 1967)

BARELA, FELIX R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Felix R. Barela (US54401904), 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 Battery C, 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery, 4th Infantry Division Artillery, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Barela distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 March 1968 as a cannoneer of an artillery battery. During the early morning hours, two battalions of enemy infantry, supported by intense mortar and rocket fire, attacked Specialist Barela's battery position. The insurgents breached the perimeter at several points and advanced upon the howitzer parapet manned by Specialist Barela and his section. They held the attackers off with small arms fire until the enemy employed a flame thrower, which forced the artillerymen into a bunker. Specialist Barela was wounded twice by enemy grenades thrown into the bunker, but he continued to fire his weapon until his ammunition was expended. He then killed one enemy soldier in hand-to-hand combat as the determined attackers attempted to enter the bunker. Specialist Barela and his section drove the enemy back and repelled several more assaults before reinforcements arrived and the insurgents were driven out of the perimeter. His heroic actions prevented the loss of many lives and contributed greatly to the successful defense of the battery's position. Specialist Barela'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. 3454 (July 18, 1968)

BARGEWELL, ELDON A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Eldon A. Bargewell (*****6735), 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 Command and Control (North), Task Force 1, Studies and Observations Group, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, attached to U.S. Army Vietnam Training Advisory Group (TF1AE), U.S. Army Vietnam Training Support Headquarters. Staff Sergeant Bargewell distinguished himself on 27 September 1971 while serving as a member of a long range reconnaissance team operating deep in enemy territory. On that date, his team came under attack by an estimated 75 to 100 man enemy force. Staff Sergeant Bargewell suffered multiple fragmentation wounds from an exploding B-40 rocket in the initial assault, but despite the serious wounds, placed a deadly volume of machine gun fire on the enemy line. As the enemy advanced, he succeeded in breaking the assault and forced them to withdraw with numerous casualties. When the enemy regrouped, they resumed their assault on the beleaguered team, placing a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire on Staff Sergeant Bargewell's sector of the defensive perimeter. Again he exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to hold his position and prevent the enemy from overrunning the small team. After breaking the enemy assault, the team withdrew to a nearby guard. At the landing zone, Staff sergeant Bargewell refused medical treatment in order to defend a sector of the perimeter, and insured the safe extraction of his team. Staff Sergeant Bargewell'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. 3391 (November 30, 1971)
Born: at Tacoma, Washington
Home Town: Hoquiam, Washington

*BARKER, JACK LAMAR
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jack Lamar Barker, Major (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, 101st Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Major Barker distinguished himself while piloting an observation helicopter during extraction operations of South Vietnamese troops near Fire Support Base Brown, Laos. As his aircraft approached the pickup zone, the enemy unleashed a barrage of automatic weapons fire upon his helicopter, forcing the attempt to be aborted. On the second approach, the enemy flak was so intense that the rescue effort was again aborted. Sustaining severe battle damage to his aircraft, Major Barker flew his crippled airship back to Khe Sanh. Realizing that the wounded personnel needed immediate evacuation, Major Barker mounted another helicopter and again departed to the besieged pickup zone. As his aircraft made its final descent, it was struck by an enemy rocket propelled grenade round, causing the ship to explode in mid-air. Major barker expired in the ensuing crash. Major Barker's 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. 2264-247 (June 29, 1971)
Home Town: Waycross, Georgia

*BARNARD, RICHARD GEORGE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard George Barnard (RA12471352), Sergeant First 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 C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Barnard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 December 1968 as a platoon leader at a fire support base near Tay Ninh City. Shortly after midnight a regimental-size Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army force hit the camp with a devastating mortar, rocket-propelled grenade and rocket attack, followed by human wave assaults. The communists centered their drive against the section of the perimeter manned by Sergeant Barnard's company and succeeded in seizing five of its bunkers. Realizing that the base was in danger of being overrun, Sergeant Barnard unhesitatingly volunteered to lead an attempt to oust the aggressors from these positions. By placing effective fire with his rifle and hurling fragmentation grenades, he killed the enemy troops in four of the fortifications. As he fearlessly assaulted the last stronghold, he was mortally wounded by the fierce hostile fire. Sergeant First Class Barnard's 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. 628 (February 20, 1969)
Home Town: Rochester, New York

BARNES, BRICE H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brice H. Barnes (0-2326319), First Lieutenant (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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Barnes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as a scout platoon leader while defending against the communist Lunar New Year offensive. Enemy forces gained control of Widow's Village and entrenched themselves in its northeast sector. Lieutenant Barnes took command of all friendly forces in the town and launched a fierce assault on the insurgents. Repeatedly disregarding his safety, he braved withering fire to direct civilians in the battle area to safety. Bullets struck all around him, but he refused to take cover and led a house to house sweep, personally destroying a recoilless rifle and an automatic weapon position. His platoon's aggressive assault and relentless fire forced the Viet Cong to withdraw. Later in the day his unit was sent to the nearby village of Ho Nai. His platoon was quickly engaged by a hostile force firing machine guns, recoilless rifles and automatic weapons. Caught in the murderous crossfire, Lieutenant Barnes dismounted his personnel carrier and moved among his men to direct their counterfire on the enemy. Part of his platoon became isolated and pinned down by the intense Viet Cong barrage, and he exposed himself to a hail of bullets and shrapnel to direct gunship strikes on the enemy positions surrounding the beleaguered element. His fearless leadership and heroic actions inspired his men to fight furiously and inflict a decisive defeat on the numerically superior and determined Viet Cong forces, resulting in seventy-seven enemy killed and ten captured. First Lieutenant Barnes 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. 2034 (May 3, 1968)

*BARRIOS, JAMES PATRICK
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Patrick Barrios (RA18826326), 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 D, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Barrios distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 12 January 1969 as a machine gunner on a night patrol near Cai Nua in Dinh Tuong Province. A numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force attacked the patrol and Specialist Barrios was wounded in the leg by the first rocket-propelled grenade. Disregarding his painful injury, he went to a site directly in the path of the main enemy element. He and his assistant machine gunner laid down a heavy barrage which turned back the first wave of the assault and enabled their comrades to move casualties and establish a defensive perimeter in a rice paddy dike. The determined North Vietnamese launched a renewed attack, but Specialist Barrios and his assistant continued to hold off the aggressors until an enemy rocket-propelled grenade struck their position, mortally wounding them both. Specialist Four Barrios' 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. 1540 (April 30, 1969)
Home Town: Lemoore, California

BARROW, ROBERT H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert H. Barrow (0-23471), Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters, Ninth Marine Regiment, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced). Colonel Barrow distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period from 22 January to 18 March 1969 while commanding a regiment in Operation DEWEY CANYON in Quang Tri Province. Throughout the eight-week campaign in the Da Krong and A Shau Valleys, Colonel Barrow remained with the forward elements of his command, directing their insertion into enemy-held territory. Despite adverse flying conditions, he made numerous low-level reconnaissance flights in his command helicopter. Under his supervision, his troops swept the determined North Vietnamese forces back to the Laotian border, decimating countless fortifications and base camps and confiscating prodigious quantities of communist weapons and munitions. Despite the continuous hostile artillery and rocket bombardment of his command post, he persisted in retaining his position in close proximity to the enemy activity. During one concentrated attack on his post, he repeatedly exposed himself to the withering hostile fusillade in order to direct the repulsion of the enemy. After the two-month operation, his regiment confirmed over one thousand three hundred dead and accounted for tremendous amounts of captured North Vietnamese equipment. Colonel Barrow'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 Marine Corps.
Headquarters: US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2945 (August 4, 1969)
Born: February 5, 1922 at Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Home Town: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Personal Awards: Navy Cross (Korea), Distinguished Service Cross (Vietnam)

BARTLEY, JULIUS I.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Julius I. Bartley, 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 C, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Bartley distinguished himself while serving as medical aidman during combat operations in Cambodia on 6 May 1970. On this date, Specialist Bartley and his company were inserted into a landing zone and immediately came under fire from a large, well concealed enemy force which inflicted many allied casualties. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, Specialist Bartley moved throughout the contact area to treat wounded comrades. After stabilizing the condition of several casualties, he removed them to rear positions and prepared them for helicopter evacuation. Seeing his platoon leader struck by enemy sniper fire, the specialist immediately went to his assistance and administered first aid to the wounded soldier. Then, the specialist carried the injured officer approximately two hundred meters through intense enemy fire to the company's perimeter. His determined actions served as a constant inspiration to his comrades and contributed immeasurably to the successful defense of the position. Specialist Four Bartley'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. 5304 (December 15, 1970)

*BAXTER, BRUCE RAYMOND (MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Bruce Raymond Baxter (RA21289734), Master 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 Command and Control Detachment, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Master Sergeant Baxter distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 November 1967 while serving as Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese reconnaissance team on combat operations deep in hostile territory. While moving through dense jungle shortly before nightfall, his team detected an enemy ambush to the front. Sergeant Baxter quickly directed the fire of his men on the hostile forces, disrupting the planned attack. He was seriously wounded by a barrage of enemy grenades during the firefight that followed, but he refused aid and directed his men to a landing zone for extraction. Savage fire raked the helicopters as they made their landing. Sergeant Baxter refused to be immediately evacuated, and directed half of his team to board the first aircraft while he remained on the ground. The second aircraft was downed after being driven off by the ravaging barrage, and he completely disregarded his own safety in an attempt to reach the crash site under a hail of bullets. The withering fire drove him back, and he requested a hoist extraction for the rest of his men. When the aircraft came in, he placed three of his men aboard before the ship was forced to take off under intense ground fire. A fourth helicopter elected to land despite the heavy barrage, and Sergeant Baxter climbed in only after he was sure that the rest of his team were aboard. He was mortally wounded when the helicopter was shot down in an attempt to fly out of the area. His gallant leadership and devotion to the safety of his men at great risk to his own welfare were responsible for saving several lives in the face of grave danger. Master Sergeant Baxter's 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. 6569 (December 22, 1967)
Born: September 28, 1931 at Boston, Massachusetts
Home Town: Lowell, Massachusetts

BAXTER, WILLIAM P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William P. Baxter (0-73602), 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. On 27 November 1965, Captain Baxter, newly assigned as an advisor to the 3d Battalion, 7th Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, was accompanying his unit on a search and destroy mission of known Viet Cong positions at the Michelin Rubber Plantation in the vicinity of Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam. The regimental headquarters of the 7th Regiment along with both 1st and 3d Battalions, which were grouping their forces in an assembly area near the assault zone, were suddenly ambushed by a Viet Cong contingent, of approximately regimental size, equipped with mortars, recoilless rifles, automatic weapons, and small arms. The initial attack, which inflicted heavy casualties on the friendly forces, was hardly over when a second attack was undertaken by the insurgents. The ferocity and intensity of the attacks enabled the insurgents to completely surround the few remaining members of the embattled friendly force, whose strength was now approximately seventy Vietnamese soldiers and five American advisors. After a murderous four-hour fire fight, the Viet Cong launched a third attack, characterized by a heavy concentration of heavy weapons and waves of insurgents literally thrown at the friendly forces. From the onset of the attacks, Captain Baxter with complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved from one position to another to give timely advice, direct fire, shift the friendly troops to strengthen their defensive position, and simultaneously maintained radio contact with friendly artillery and air fire support. As the insurgents moved to within grenade range of their position, Captain Baxter requested artillery fire be directed in at his own defensive area. Without regard for his own safety, he remained completely exposed during the artillery strike in order to direct and adjust incoming artillery. Through his inspirational leadership and courage the Viet Cong attack was repelled. Captain Baxter'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, Pacific, General Orders No. 53 (March 7, 1966)

BEACH, MARTIN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Martin H. Beach (0-5425474), Captain (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant], 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 Battery C, 2d Battalion, 77th Artillery, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Beach distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 23 to 25 February 1969 while serving as commander of a battery section of Fire Support Base Mahoney II in Bin Duong Province. When the camp came under enemy rocket and mortar attack, Captain Beach ran through the barrage to alert his gun crews. A rocket- propelled grenade stuck within the parapet of one howitzer, wounding all the members in the section. Captain Beach immediately assisted the wounded and then manned the howitzer until a new crew could be formed. Then, while moving form section to section he was wounded in the foot by fragmentation from a rocket grenade. Despite his painful wound, he took charge of a reaction force and assaulted the enemy who had overrun a perimeter bunker. After rescuing the fortification, he directed the firing of beehive rounds on the advancing enemy. Only after the assailants had withdrawn did he allow himself to be medically treated. On 25 February, when the foe renewed the assault, Captain Beach again braved hostile bombardment to supervise the direct fire on the attacking ground forces. When the communists threatened to penetrate the perimeter, he led the reaction force and one howitzer section in thwarting the attempt. While on the perimeter, he was responsible for eliminating two enemy automatic weapons positions. He continued to move about the battery, directing and supervising defensive firing until the enemy broke off the attack. Captain Beach's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2246 (June 25, 1969)

*BEAGLE, HOWARD EUGENE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Howard Eugene Beagle (US51589752), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Beagle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 April 1967 while serving as medical corpsman during a search and destroy mission near Tan An. Specialist Beagle's unit was crossing dry rice paddies, still 200 meters from it's objective, when a Viet Cong force initiated a barrage of intense fire. As one of the men fell wounded, Specialist Beagle raced through the hail of fire to his side and began to treat his critical wounds. Soon another call for medical help was made. Oblivious of the outburst of fire his movement drew, Specialist Beagle ran 75 meters across the field to the new casualty. he pulled the soldier to a partially protected position behind a rice paddy dike, but at times was forced to shield the man's body with his own while he treated him. Since the hostile fire became very intense, he grabbed the wounded man's weapon and tried to silence some of the hostile positions. When another soldier came to relieve him, he finished his treatment, then ran again across the open paddies to the first casualty. As medical evacuation helicopters arrived, Specialist Beagle once more crossed the fields of fire to ensure that the wounded men were safely evacuated. Some of his comrades began to feel the effects of their strenuous exertions in the afternoon heat. Specialist Beagle assembled them and began to build a shelter to protect them fro the sun. As he stood up to secure a corner of the shelter, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Four Beagle 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. 2428 (May 27, 1967)
Home Town: Glens Falls, New York

*BECHTEL, HERBERT STEPHEN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Herbert Stephen Bechtel, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, on 25 August 1966. Private Bechtel, serving as a machinegunner during Operation AMARILLO, moved with his unit through a dense jungle area in War Zone C in an attempt to drive heavily reinforced Viet Cong units from their sanctuaries along Route 16. His commander received word that a 16-man patrol from the Battalion had stumbled across a well- camouflaged enemy base camp and was being heavily engaged by a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Private Bechtel's company joined with other elements of the Battalion and quickly moved to assist the beleaguered patrol. As they arrived in the embattled area, his platoon maneuvered between the patrol and the Viet Cong. This gave the patrol sufficient time to move their dead and wounded to the rear. No sooner was the patrol extracted than the Viet Cong Struck the platoon with every weapon at their command. Casualties were many and the platoon was suddenly in grave danger of being destroyed. Artillery and air strikes could not be used against the Viet Cong because of the platoon's proximity to them. Private Bechtel realized the platoon faced annihilation unless someone was able to provide sufficient covering fire to enable the platoon to withdraw. Unhesitatingly, he ordered his gun crew to follow him as he moved to a foxhole forward of the platoon's position. He directed extremely heavy fire on the insurgent bunkers and emplacements, enabling most of the platoon to move back to less exposed positions. There were many wounded who had to be left behind, and Private Bechtel was all that stood between them and the enemy. His steady, intensive fire enabled aidmen to craw forward and start evacuating the wounded. The Viet Cong concentrated their firepower on Private Bechtel's position. An enemy rifle grenade landed near him. The concussion lifted him from the foxhole and shrapnel wounded him in his arms and hands. He ignored the pain and crawled back to his position to resume firing on the Viet Cong. The assistant machine gunner had taken over the weapon. Although he was severely wounded and there was someone else to man the weapon, Private Bechtel refused to go to the rear for medical attention. Instead, he painfully crawled 30 meters through a hail of enemy fire. Although he realized he was the primary target of Viet Cong fire, he secured three boxes of ammunition and started the perilous crawl back to his foxhole. When he reached the position, he found that the assistant gunner had been killed and that the ammunition bearer had manned the machinegun. As their ammunition supply became critically low, Private Bechtel defied a furious volume of hostile fire a second time as he crawled to another demolished machinegun position and returned with a large quantity of ammunition. Soon thereafter, the ammunition bearer was severely wounded. Private Bechtel told him to crawl to the rear where he could rejoin the platoon and receive medical attention. Although seriously wounded himself, Private Bechtel refused to go with his comrade. Instead, he placed intensive fire onto the insurgent positions to cover the wounded man's withdrawal. He was now alone in his isolated forward position. Private Bechtel, aware that he was low on ammunition, carefully placed short bursts of fire onto the Viet Cong emplacements. Again, a well-placed enemy grenade exploded near his position, and Private Bechtel was struck in the shoulder and hip by fragments. His Platoon Sergeant shouted to him to return to the rear so that his wounds could be treated, but he replied that he would remain at his position and continue covering the evacuation of the casualties. Again the Viet Cong increased the intensity of their fire at his position. Private Bechtel continued firing at the enemy. His highly accurate suppressive fire effectively covered the extraction of the casualties from the battlefield. Then his weapon was silenced. Later, the American forces completely routed the Viet Cong from the base camp. Private Bechtel was found dead behind his weapon with his finger still on the trigger and all ammunition expended. He had decided that, if necessary, he would sacrifice his own life to enable he comrades to live. Although there was ample opportunity for him to change his mind, he stuck with his decision to the end. His conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, at the cost of his own life, provided the covering fire that enabled his platoon to withdraw from an extremely dangerous situation and allowed his wounded comrades to be carried from the battlefield. Not only did his actions save many of his comrade's lives but also provided them with the inspiration to continue the battle and resoundingly defeat the enemy. He never relented from his determined effort to destroy the enemy and to assist and impart confidence to his fallen comrades. Private Bechtel's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 15 (April 8, 1968)
Home Town: Bellefontaine, Ohio

BECKSTROM, DONALD R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald R. Beckstrom (US56543644), 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 C, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Beckstrom distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 July 1968 while serving as radio telephone operator on a reconnaissance-in-force mission. His company suddenly came under intense enemy fire, critically wounding the commander and a major part of the headquarters element. Disregarding his safety, Sergeant Beckstrom maneuvered forward to remove the company commander and the other injured men from under the communists' barrage. While extracting the casualties from the killing zone, he observed a number of the enemy moving on his position and immediately placed a heavy volume of fire upon them, killing two and wounding several more. After evacuating the company commander, Sergeant Beckstrom took command of the company, reorganized the platoons in defensive positions and personally directed retaliatory fire on the aggressors. He continued to provide effective leadership until relieved by a new commanding officer an hour and thirty minutes later. Sergeant Beckstrom'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. 255 (January 23, 1969)

*BEERS, JACK BLAINE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jack Blaine Beers (RA23877112), Sergeant First 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 (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Platoon Sergeant Beers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the evening of 7 April 1969 during an attack by an estimated reinforced Viet Cong company on his platoon's night location near the town of Bao Loc, Lam Dong Province. Sergeant Beers moved through the initial barrage of rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire to reach a section of the perimeter under heavy ground attack, and was painfully wounded by shrapnel from an incoming rocket when he arrived at a machine gun bunker. Despite his injury, he directed that position's fire against the aggressors and momentarily halted their assault. After hearing a rocket hit in the platoon's command post and a cry for help from his radio telephone operator, he started toward the stricken post, but was seriously wounded in the legs and stomach by shrapnel from enemy grenades and rockets as the communists began attacking from all sides. Disregarding his safety, he encouraged his men to hold their positions and crawled to a radio to call for artillery support. Although he was in an exposed location, he continued to adjust artillery strikes until he was mortally wounded by hostile small arms fire. Platoon Sergeant Beers' 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. 1728 (May 14, 1969)
Home Town: Clarksville, Tennessee

*BELL, CHRISTOPHER HIAWATHA
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Christopher Hiawatha Bell (RA12981516), Private First 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 C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Private First Class Bell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during a search and destroy mission in enemy territory. Realizing the danger of the mission, Private Bell volunteered to be point man in place of his less experienced comrades. He came upon a fork in the trail, stopped the platoon and moved forward alone. He suddenly opened fire, killing an enemy soldier on the trail. The platoon was immediately pinned down by a vicious hail of enemy automatic weapons fire from at least three positions. Private Bell, trapped in front of the platoon, began placing a heavy volume of effective counterfire on the insurgents, allowing his platoon leader to deploy the lead squad. The enemy fire became so intense that the squad was soon immobilized as it tried to maneuver against the insurgents. Realizing the precarious situation that was rapidly developing, Private Bell quickly went into action. He secured hand grenades from his rucksack, and began to crawl through the murderous barrage toward the enemy bunker putting out the heaviest volume of firepower. As he neared the position, he exposed himself to the fusillade to throw a grenade which destroyed the bunker and killed its occupants. The platoon was still receiving heavy automatic weapons fire, so he moved toward a second bunker and destroyed it with hand grenades. The platoon then began receiving fire from a position to its left flank, and Private Bell began moving towards the source. Once in range, he rose to throw a grenade and was struck by a burst of automatic weapons fire which knocked him to the ground. Ignoring his wound and completely disregarding his safety, he got to his feet and rushed forward. He was struck twice more by a burst from the enemy machine gun, but he continued to charge until he was close enough to throw a grenade into the bunker, destroying it. Private First Class Bell's 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. 3762 (August 2, 1968)
Home Town: Clinton, North Carolina

*BELL, LEWIS DOUGLAS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lewis Douglas Bell, Major (Artillery), 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 Aviation Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. Major Bell distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry against an armed hostile enemy force at the cost of his life on 5 March 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Bell was serving as Pilot of a UH-1D helicopter when he learned that the perimeter of the 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry was surrounded and under heavy attack by a regimental-sized Viet Cong force in the vicinity of Lai Khe, Binh Duong Province. The insurgents had pressed so close to the perimeter of the American units that mortar and supporting artillery fire were relatively ineffective and the defenders had begun to run critically short of small arms ammunition. Though they realized that delivery of ammunition into the middle of a raging jungle battle was extremely hazardous and called for exposure to withering Viet Cong machine gun fire, Major Bell and his crew voluntarily undertook to deliver fifteen hundred pounds of explosive cargo into the battle area. On the approach to the landing zone the helicopter and crew were hit time and time again by heavy machine gun and small arms fire. Knowing the ammunition was desperately needed to save the besieged infantrymen, Major Bell and his crew ignored their own wounds and personal safety and continued through the heavy fire to the landing zone. The crew members began to unload the ammunition even though they were being repeatedly wounded by the ever increasing Viet Cong fire. Though the entire crew had been seriously wounded in their efforts, all the ammunition was successfully unloaded and Major Bell managed to fly the helicopter out of its untenable position, moments later the helicopter was shot down by a deadly cross fire of .50 caliber machine guns, killing all aboard. The heroic actions of Major Bell and his crew supplied the needed ammunition to turn the tide of battle and save numerous American lives. Because of this ammunition re-supply the heavily outnumbered infantry units completely routed the insurgents, killing over 200 Viet Cong and capturing supplies and equipment which included four .50 caliber machine guns. Major Bell's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty was the mainstay of the successful camp defense. His actions were an inspiration to the American defenders, displaying magnificent leadership and conspicuous bravery. Although wounded, he never relented from his determined effort to re-supply the heavily beleaguered infantry units. Major Bell's courage and determination, in the face of overwhelming firepower, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 16 (April 4, 1967)
Home Town: Fort Worth, Texas

*BENDER, GERNOT
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Gernot Bender (RA51414267), 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 Troop A, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Bender distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 March 1969 in Hau Nghai Province on a mission to engage an enemy force which had ambushed the Dau Tieng convoy. Reaching the ambush site, his troop found the aggressors had moved to a new hiding place, and the squadron and troop commander had advanced alone to reconnoiter. When firing was heard, Sergeant Bender immediately drove his tank to the aid of the two officers. Seeing that they were pinned down by a machine gun bunker, he silenced the emplacement with his main gun and then spearheaded an assault as the rest of his unit followed. Intense hostile fire wounded several men and a rocket-propelled grenade scored a direct hit on an armored personnel carrier. Sergeant Bender moved to secure the carrier and provide covering fire while the casualties were rescued, throwing grenades and firing his rifle after his vehicle's weapons became inoperative. He then pulled back to a defensive position where he placed suppressive fire during the evacuation of the wounded, re-supplied his element with ammunition, and repaired his weapons which had malfunctioned. As his troop again moved forward, he assaulted a machine gun bunker, destroying it and killing its occupants, and then engaged and destroyed a rocket-propelled grenade team that exposed itself to fire on one of the carriers. Second later his vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, seriously wounding him in the leg. Ignoring his wounds, he continued to fight, thus allowing the lesser wounded to be evacuated to safety. Soon Sergeant Bender collapsed as his own injuries proved fatal. Staff Sergeant Bender's 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. 1952 (June 3, 1969)
Home Town: Columbus, Georgia

BENEDICT, CALVERT P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Calvert P. Benedict (0-28286), Lieutenant Colonel (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 Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Benedict distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 February 1968 as Commanding Officer of an infantry battalion during its assault on a heavily fortified Viet Cong base camp. As supporting artillery fire pounded the insurgent stronghold, Colonel Benedict deployed armored personnel carriers against it and personally led his infantry in the attack. Despite intense hostile sniper and automatic weapons fire, he moved through the battle area, placing his troops in strategic positions. Upon reaching the first enemy bunker complex, the armored personnel carriers were halted by the fierce volume of hostile fire. With complete disregard for his safety, Colonel Benedict moved through the fusillade to the point of heaviest contact. As the Viet Cong fire became more intense, Colonel Benedict ran through a hail of shrapnel from exploding rockets and mounted the armored personnel carriers one by one to reorganize the crew members and direct their fire. Inspired by his courageous example, his men fought with renewed determination. When he had established effective cover, Colonel Benedict ordered the assault force to withdraw so artillery and air strikes could be employed against the Viet Cong. He then braved heavy sniper fire as he organized a defensive perimeter and personally supervised the evacuation of wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Benedict'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. 3646 (July 29, 1968)

BENSON, JOHN O.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John O. Benson, First Lieutenant (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 A, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Benson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 August 1969 while serving as platoon leader during an airmobile reconnaissance operation in the Plain of Reeds. As the members of his element moved through the area, they come under a devastating barrage of hostile rocket-propelled grenade and machine gun fire which wounded two soldiers. Rushing through the strafing fusillade, Lieutenant Benson reached the two casualties, one of whom he carried to a sheltered position to receive medical aid. He then returned for the second injured infantryman. When the wounded had been cared for, Lieutenant Benson organized his platoon for an assault on the hostile fortifications and called in artillery and gunships. Despite the supporting fire, the element remained pinned down by enemy bullets. As he directed another air strike, the rest of his unit was inserted behind the enemy in order to effect a sweeping maneuver. When the additional members of the company also become pinned down, Lieutenant Benson crawled forward to the communist bunkers. Throwing hand grenades with precision, he silenced the machine gun emplacement. First Lieutenant Benson'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. 3595 (September 22, 1969)

BERCAW, WILLIAM E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William E. Bercaw, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 34th Armor, 25th Infantry Division, on 2 May 1970. Master Sergeant Bercaw distinguished himself while leading a four-vehicle armed convoy toward a rendezvous with forward allied elements located in Cambodia. Master Sergeant Bercaw was riding aboard the lead vehicle when a sudden burst of enemy fire swept through the lead element. The commander of the lead vehicle was mortally wounded by the fire and Master Sergeant Bercaw suffered a painful arm wound. Nevertheless, Master Sergeant Bercaw immediately assumed command of the vehicle and organized the confused crew into an effective fighting unit. While directing the fire of his men, he crawled across an exposed portion of his vehicle to man an automatic weapon. Although seriously wounded, he continued to fire the weapon until he exhausted his ammunition. He then secured the tank commander's rifle and expended all available ammunition toward the enemy. During the entire contact, Master Sergeant Bercaw continuously exposed himself to the hail of enemy fire in order to direct the actions of his men and move the convoy out of the contact area. Although wounded three times, his determined actions enabled the convoy to depart the contact area while suffering only minimal casualties. Master Sergeant Bercaw'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. 5006 (November 4, 1970)

BERNARDO, PETER R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Peter R. Bernardo, First Lieutenant (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 C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry, Division. First Lieutenant Bernardo distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 February 1969 while serving as a platoon leader on a search and clear mission. His company came under intense small arms automatic weapons, rifle grenade, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an enemy force concealed and entrenched only a few meters from the friendly unit. Seeing that the heavy hostile fire was preventing his fellow soldiers from effectively returning fire and regrouping, Lieutenant Bernardo quickly assaulted and silenced one of the enemy automatic weapons positions. As he continued providing suppressive fire, his unit was able to withdraw and call in supporting fire. During a second assault on the enemy, Lieutenant Bernardo rushed two more enemy fortifications and destroyed them with hand grenades. As the company again withdrew, he placed devastating suppressive fire on the hostile fortifications to cover the withdrawal. On a third assault he was wounded seriously, but he refused medical evacuation until his unit had completed its mission. First Lieutenant Bernardo'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. 4392 (December 6, 1969)
Home Town: Ashtabula, Ohio

BESSINGER, TERRY B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Terry B. Bessinger, First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), 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 119th Aviation Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant Bessinger distinguished himself during an attempt to rescue a besieged allied reconnaissance patrol located deep in enemy controlled territory. As Lieutenant Bessinger was piloting his helicopter on a visual reconnaissance mission, he received an urgent evacuation request from a friendly ground unit. He immediately instructed the unit to move to an extraction area while he proceeded to a nearby base to secure necessary rescue equipment. Upon returning to the area, he discovered that the enemy situation necessitated an evacuation attempt in a heavily wooded area. While attempting to extract the ground force, his evacuation helicopter was shot down by enemy rocket fire. Although injured in the crash, Lieutenant Bessinger immediately removed the injured crewmen from the wreckage. Suddenly, he was attacked by two enemy soldiers. Without hesitation, he whirled and killed the two soldiers with a burst of fire from his rifle. He then established a defensive position and eliminated another enemy soldier as the soldier charged out of nearby cover. Soon, a friendly Light Observation Helicopter landed in a clearing a short distance from the unit's position. Just after Lieutenant Bessinger carried the two most severely wounded men to the aircraft for evacuation, the aircraft was disabled by enemy fire as it attempted to lift off. Moving to the scene of the crash, the lieutenant defended his wounded comrades against the hostile force until a helicopter could land and remove the two critically wounded soldiers. He then continued to defend his comrades until his entire element was extracted. First Lieutenant Bessinger'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. 4213 (September 12, 1970)

BIAS, RONNIE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ronnie E. Bias (US53700165), 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 C, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Bia distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 February 1968 as a squad leader of an infantry unit on combat operations near Tay Ninh City. When the lead element was ambushed by a Viet Cong battalion he immediately directed his men to well-protected defensive positions. Many of the men in the lead element had been seriously wounded during the initial exchange of fire and lay exposed to the heavy enemy fire. Without regard for his personal safety, he raced into the withering hail of fire and carried several of the wounded men to safety. When the wounded were all in a secure area, he deployed his remaining men for an assault upon the enemy positions. Twice he led his men into the heavy barrage, destroying many enemy positions and killing numerous enemy soldiers. Readying his men for a third assault, Staff Sergeant Bias had just stepped from cover when a grenade exploded, wounding several men. Though dazed by the terrific blast, he staggered to his feet, rushed into the deadly fire and retrieved his wounded comrades. Throughout the remainder of the battle, he continued to rally his men and lead them against the enemy. His determination and courage contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy. Staff Sergeant Bias' 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. 3094 (June 28, 1968)

BIERI, LEON D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Leon D. Bieri (0-75501), Major (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 Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Major Bieri distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 December 1966 while serving as Battalion Operations Officer during the relief of a small unit engaged with two entrenched Viet Cong battalions near Bong Song. Learning that two company commanders had become casualties, Major Bieri volunteered to be flown into the beleaguered companies to led them through the assault. On reaching a company pinned down by intense fire, he fearlessly stood up in the fireswept area and led his men straight into the hostile positions to their front. His sudden attack startled the insurgents and forced them to drop back to a secondary perimeter. Again his men were stopped by devastating fire. Moving to his right to lead a platoon in another flanking maneuver, Major Bieri encountered three insurgents who had penetrated his perimeter. Armed with only a pistol, he killed all three, but suffered a serious shoulder wound. Spotting another sniper behind the lines, he also killed this man before he could fire a shot at the friendly soldiers. When Major Bieri succeeded in leading a squad in a flanking attack on the Viet Cong, the insurgents feared being surrounded and tried to break by running right through his small element. Although losing blood and completely exposed to hostile fire, he directed aerial attacks until the frantic enemy withdrew. Major Bieri then supervised evacuation of the wounded until he passed out for loss of blood. Major Bieri'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. 2352 (May 25, 1967)

BIGGIN, DONALD M., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald M. Biggin, Jr., Sergeant First 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 Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Platoon Sergeant Biggin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 March 1969 during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near a rubber plantation in Binh Duong Province. As his unit's armored vehicles attempted an on-line assault on the enemy bunker complex, they became stalled by antitank fire. Observing that the unit's weapons were not effectively neutralizing the bunkers, Sergeant Biggin dismounted and engaged two hostile bunkers with an M-72 rocket launcher, destroying them completely. While supervising the evacuation of his wounded men, he noticed a fire burning in one of the tracks and rushed to assist the wounded crew members who were trapped. Placing the casualties on his armored personnel carrier, he proceeded out of the combat zone to an established landing zone. En route, an enemy ambush element waylaid the vehicle wounding all but him and the medic. Sergeant Biggin returned fire, killing one of the enemy, took the driver's position and drove out of the ambush to the evacuation point. After insuring that the injured were evacuated on the extraction helicopter, he returned to the battle and reorganized his men into an effective fighting force. Platoon Sergeant Biggin'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. 3077 (August 12, 1969)

BINKOSKI, VICTOR R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Victor R. Binkoski (RA11621923), Sergeant [then 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 C, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Sergeant Binkoski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 September 1968 as a squad leader of an infantry company during a combat operation near Loc Ninh. Sergeant Binkoski was leading a scouting element when he spotted four North Vietnamese soldiers preparing to fire a recoilless rifle. He immediately conducted a running assault, which killed all four communists before they could put the weapon into operation. As his men started to haul the recoilless rifle back to their company's location, they suddenly came under heavy rocket-propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire from an estimated company-size North Vietnamese Army force. Two platoons joined the scouts and a fierce battle ensued. Sergeant Binkoski carried a wounded machine gunner to an evacuation area and returned to find that a platoon leader had been killed and the platoon sergeant seriously wounded. He regrouped the platoon and led a four man team to rescue the casualties who were lying exposed to the hostile barrage. By using himself as a decoy to draw the enemy's fire, he enabled his comrades to recover the two men. Covering for the rescue element, he killed two of the aggressors as he fought his way back. After the casualties had been evacuated, Sergeant Binkoski returned to lead his platoon in an assault on the North Vietnamese position. Spearheading a drive on the recoilless rifle, he came within fifteen meters of the position and killed two of the enemy with hand grenades. The weapon was soon recaptured and the remaining communists were forced to retreat. Sergeant Binkoski'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. 308 (January 28, 1969)

*BIRCHIM, JAMES DOUGLAS (MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Douglas Birchim (530-30-4771), Captain (Chemical Corps), [then First Lieutenant], 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 Command and Control Central, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces Group. Captain Birchim distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 November 1968, while serving as the team leader of a Special Forces long-range reconnaissance team operating deep within enemy-controlled territory with the mission of locating a missing team. After three days of fruitless search, Captain Birchim's team was ambushed by an enemy force. The team executed immediate actions to break contact. During the withdrawal, which scattered the team, Captain Birchim's ankle was broken by an exploding enemy grenade. In spite of his wounds, he successfully reassembled the team, led them out of the ambush area, and directed air strikes against the enemy. As the team moved toward an extraction zone, they were attacked twice by enemy forces. On both occasions, Captain Birchim's aggressive and courageous leadership enabled the team to break contact and continue toward the extraction site. During the last exchange, Captain Birchim was again wounded by an enemy grenade. At the extraction site, one of the helicopter's extraction ropes was rendered useless when it became tangled in the trees. After insuring that all other members of the team were secured in the remaining harnesses, Captain Birchim seized one of the extraction ropes in an attempt to ride "double" out of the jungle to safety. Weak from his wounds and exhausted by his efforts, Captain Birchim fell from the extraction rope during a storm on the return trip. Captain Birchim's 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.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 9 (January 27, 1972)
Home Town: Independence, California

BIRMINGHAM, JOHN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John Birmingham (0-5253374), First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), 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 195th Aviation Company (Airmobile Light), 222d Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant Birmingham distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 March 1969 as fire team leader of two helicopter gun ships supporting an eleven-man Special Forces reconnaissance team which was surrounded by an estimated two companies of North Vietnamese near Dau Tieng. Arriving over the battle site, where fierce antiaircraft fire had already badly damaged both ships of another fire team, Lieutenant Birmingham quickly located and destroyed a hostile machine gun emplacement with well-placed rockets. As he continued to make low level firing passes, his ship was riddled by enemy bullets, seriously wounding his pilot in the leg. Lieutenant Birmingham made one more suppressive run against the North Vietnamese in support of the ground forces and then was forced to autorotate his failing aircraft into an abandoned fire support base. Fifty meters from the ground the helicopter came under intense fire from positions around the base, wounding the pilot once again. Although he was himself hit in the head by shrapnel, Lieutenant Birmingham executed a perfect landing and established a defensive perimeter. Ignoring his own injury, he administered first aid to his pilot and engaged the communists with his rifle. When a rescue ship attempted to land, he exposed himself to the hostile fusillade to wave it away from the hotly contested area. After a second helicopter landed despite his warnings, he waited until his entire crew was aboard before entering the ship, which then sped to safety. First Lieutenant Birmingham'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. 1906 (May 27, 1969)

BISSELL, NORMAN M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Norman M. Bissell (0-94364), Major (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 Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 7th Squadron, 1st Air Cavalry, 164th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Major Bissell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 December 1968 as commander of an Iroquois helicopter southwest of Can Tho. Informed a Vietnamese unit was pinned down during heavy action and the American advisor had been seriously wounded, Major Bissell coordinated with supporting gun ships and attempted to rescue the man from a rice paddy. He touched down, but was unable to remain because of intense automatic weapons fire which scored three hits on his craft. After instructing the armed helicopters to again strike the communists' strongholds, he made a second landing and waited until the advisor was located in the tall grass. Leaving the ship to help the man aboard, the door gunner was hit in the face by automatic weapons fire. Major Bissell was wounded in the neck as bullets riddled his aircraft, forcing him to depart without the gunner and advisor. Making an evasive, spiraling approach, he then re-entered the rice paddy. Although enemy fire mortally wounded the door gunner, severed two engine oil lines and damaged the tail rotor drive shaft, Major Bissell successfully loaded the advisor aboard and flew the crippled helicopter to a hospital. Major Bissell'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. 1899 (May 27, 1969)

BLAIR, JOHN D., IV
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John D. Blair, IV (0-93120), 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 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Blair was Serving as Commanding Officer of Camp A Shau, Republic of Vietnam when, on 9 March 1966, it came under a severe attack by a large Viet Cong force. Captain Blair, responding to the attack, immediately began directing and organizing the defenses of the camp. Captain Blair repeatedly exposed himself to the intense fire in order to direct the evacuation of a seriously wounded American. When the Viet Cong launched their main attack with two reinforced battalions, Captain Blair directed the men until they were caught in a crossfire and forced to withdraw to another position within the camp. Reorganizing the men, Captain Blair led them in three counterattacks across the open terrain of the camp but was forced to order his small force to withdraw again. After fighting for thirty-eight hours, Captain Blair was ordered to evacuate the camp. He fought a delaying action while leading the troops to a landing zone to be evacuated. Captain Blair remained with those Americans not seriously wounded to cover the withdrawal of the remaining defenders. This action caused the Americans not to be picked up by the rescue team and they were forced to evade the Viet Cong for several days in the dense jungle until rescued by a helicopter. Captain Blair's extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 206 (August 26, 1966)

*BLAKELY, WILLIAM
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William Blakely (RA18913868), Private First 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 D, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Private First Class Blakely distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 February 1968 during a search and clear operation in the Hai Lang Area of Quang Tri Province. He was acting as point man for his platoon as it swept through a village. He discovered a line of bunkers manned by North Vietnamese Army Regulars, and the platoon was immediately hit with hostile automatic weapons fire and command detonated mines. Although wounded by the initial barrage, Private Blakely began hurling hand grenades onto the enemy positions, killing two North Vietnamese soldiers. He then sought cover behind a haystack to his platoon's front, and from there he saw his squad leader lying wounded and unconscious fifteen meters from the enemy bunkers. With complete disregard for his safety, Private Blakely crawled forward under intense fire to rescue the man and brought him back to the shelter of the haystack. Ignoring the pain of his injuries, he then continued to engage the enemy with rifle fire and hand grenades. While in an act of throwing a grenade, he was seriously wounded by an exploding enemy rocket round. He clutched the activated grenade and fell forward on it, saving the lives of his squad leader and a medic, and preventing injuries to other members of his squad who were close by. Private First Class Blakely'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. 4316 (November 11, 1968)
Home Town: Castro Valley, California

BLANFORD, RAYMOND VICTOR
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Raymond Victor Blanford (0-2289306), 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 A, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Captain Blanford distinguished himself on 11 June 1966 while serving a Commanding Officer during a company search and destroy operations near Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam. During the late morning hours, two of Captain Blanford's platoons took up blocking positions several hundred meters north of the battalion base camp while Captain Blanford, his third platoon, and a platoon of Civilian Irregular Defense Group Forces were heli-lifted to a landing zone north of the blocking position to begin sweeping operations to the south. Immediately after assuming their position, the blocking forces made contact with a large Viet Cong force. After being informed of the situation, Captain Blanford moved his forces south to complete the north extension of a horseshoe which circled the hostile force at the base of a hill. At this time, Captain Blanford, with complete disregard for his safety, repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile fire to effectively direct friendly artillery fire on the positions of the insurgents. He then dauntlessly led his forces in an assault on the hostile emplacements. During the course of action, the Viet Cong increased their fire. When intense hostile fire met the advancing American and Vietnamese troops, Captain Blanford halted the assault and called in additional artillery fire. Coordinating the fire with extraordinary precision, he initiated a second assault. As he advanced up the hill in the wake of exploding mortar rounds, Captain Blanford was seriously wounded in the right eye. Despite intense pain, he continued to direct his men. He refused medical evacuation until reinforcements arrived to assist in the assault and the battalion commander was briefed on the operation. Captain Blanford'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. 6969 (December 20, 1966)

BLANKS, BOOTS C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Boots C. Blanks, 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 C, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Captain Blanks distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1969 while commanding an infantry unit conducting a search and destroy operations. A friendly unit had engaged a well-fortified North Vietnamese force of battalion strength in the hills near the village of Xuan Thanh. While moving in to reinforce their outnumbered sister company, Captain Blanks' troops came under heavy sniper fire. Quickly assessing the enemy's locations, he led his men to flanking positions in the hilly terrain from which they trapped the North Vietnamese in a deadly crossfire. When his own elements were pinned down by strafing machine gun fire, he assaulted the hostile emplacement and eliminated it with bursts of rifle fire and well-placed grenades. The company then pushed deeper into the enemy's foothill fortifications and were again immobilized by intense suppressive fire. Captain Blanks charged the hostile bunker through dense waves of automatic weapons fire. Though severely wounded by the enemy's fire, he rushed onward to the rear where he refused evacuation until he had seen all his wounded men extracted from the battlefield. Captain Blanks' 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. 3417 (September 7, 1969)

BLAZ, JUAN
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Juan Blaz (RA20120951), Sergeant Major [then 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 A, 2d Battalion, 505th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division. Sergeant Major Blaz) distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 January 1969, when his unit encountered an enemy unit armed with AK-47 rifles, light and heavy machine guns, hand grenades and RPG-7 rocket launchers. Sergeant Major Blaz took command during a fierce firefight in which his platoon leader was injured, rushing to drag wounded soldiers to safety and leading an assault to wipe out an enemy bunker. In the process, shrapnel pierced his right shoulder. Minutes later, his platoon was pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire, and Sergeant Major Blaz singly charged across a ravine to silence the enemy weapon. He suffered another wound to his right shoulder, this time from an AK-47. But rather than accept medical treatment, Sergeant Major Blaz again charged through the enemy's positions. After U.S. Cobra gunships fired rockets that missed their targets, he radioed the pilots and told them that he'd cross the ravine and mark the enemy positions with smoke grenades. He performed two more solo charges to help the pilots set up aerial supporting fire before allowing himself to be medevaced out. Sergeant Major Blaz'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.
Department of the Army, Permanent Orders No. 87-8 (June 8 1994)
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BLEDSOE, WILLIAM H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William H. Bledsoe (US53841757), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 196th Infantry Brigade (Light), Americal Division. Specialist Four Bledsoe distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1968 as a medic at Kham Duc Special Forces camp. He was stationed at an observation post when a large North Vietnamese force directed a series of mortar, rocket and ground attacks against it. When the post could no longer be defended, his team was ordered back to the base camp. While passing through a small village near the compound's perimeter, Specialist Bledsoe's element came under heavy mortar and small arms fire to aid his injured comrade. Afterwards, as the small band crossed into the perimeter, and enemy mortar round exploded in one of the camp's gun pits, and Specialist Bledsoe ran into the position and administer medical aid to the wounded. While he was treating the casualties, the emplacement was hit by another mortar round which severely wounded him and set fire to the position. Despite his wounds and the flames, he continued to treat the other casualties and move them to safety. He then prepared his patients for evacuation. As the ambulance helicopters arrived, one of them was shot down by the heavy enemy fire. Despite efforts to restrain him, Specialist Bledsoe ran over three hundred meters through a hail of mortar shrapnel to reach the downed aircraft. After freeing a trapped crew member, he carried the man through continuing intense fire to a position of cover. Specialist Four Bledsoe'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. 4325 (November 11, 1968)

BLESKAN, RALPH J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ralph J. Bleskan (RA16698343), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Platoon Sergeant Bleskan was acting as platoon leader, Company B, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. On 7 February 1966 he was assigned the mission of advancing on the insurgent lines to assault a numerically superior hostile force that had a friendly rifle company pinned down for some four hours. The intense automatic weapons and machine gun fire killed several of his men, wounded others, and made any attempt to move up further almost impossible. Dauntlessly, Sergeant Bleskan stood up in the face of the intense fire and led his men forward., overrunning the first Viet Cong line of defense. During the rush, Sergeant Bleskan received a serious wound in the neck which he disregarded and continued to lead his men against the insurgent's second defensive perimeter. Sergeant Bleskan noted his right element had been pinned down by fire from a nearby house. Responding quickly, he destroyed it with a round from a light anti-tank weapon. Having crushed the Viet Cong's outer defenses, Sergeant Bleskan, with complete disregard for his safety, led his men across a machine-gun-raked rice paddy. Then crawling unarmed, he led four men into a ditch only ten meters from the Viet Cong and began launching grenades into their positions. He received another wound in the leg. Despite the pain from both wounds, he managed to lead one more assault on the insurgents, killing the remaining defenders in savage close-in combat. Sergeant Bleskan'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, Pacific, General Orders No. 221 (September 12, 1966)

BLUNT, STANLEY A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Stanley A. Blunt, 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 D, 1st Battalion, 11th Infantry, 1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized). Captain Blunt distinguished himself while leading his company during a search and clear operation through enemy controlled territory several kilometers south of the Demilitarized Zone in the northern area of I Corps Tactical Zone. On 11 November, his company was participating in a coordinated battalion attack on elements of the 27th North Vietnamese Army Regiment defending heavily fortified bunker positions. When his company's advance was halted by intense' Suppressive fire, Captain Blunt single handedly charged a heavily fortified machine gun emplacement and completely destroyed the position. In this same assault, he killed four other enemy soldiers at close range by hurling hand grenades into their positions. In the early morning hours of 13 November, in a continuation of the same operation, Captain Blunt infiltrated a seven-man patrol through some twelve hundred meters of closely defended enemy terrain under cover of darkness in order to reinforce and extract besieged friendly elements. He conducted this perilous mission without incident and undoubtedly saved the lives of the twenty-two trapped American soldiers. Captain Blunt'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. 913 (April 20, 1970)

BOEDECKER, BILLY E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Billy E. Boedecker (US54440175), Private First 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 A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Private First Class Boedecker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in close combat on 18 November 1967 as acting assistant machine gunner of an airborne infantry company conducting search and destroy operations on Hill 882 near Dak To. His unit was moving toward the crest of the hill when it was subjected to savage automatic weapons, rocket and small arms fire from an estimated two companies of North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Private Boedecker unhesitatingly raced to the point of heaviest contact, set up his machine gun and placed devastating fire on the hostile force, killing six of the enemy. He was wounded by small arms fire and taken to the center of the perimeter. After receiving first aid, he quickly moved back to his machine gun, shouting words of encouragement to his fellow soldiers as he ran toward the forward position. During the ensuing action, Private Boedecker was struck six more times by enemy bullets. He was evacuated to the rear, treated and told to remain with the other seriously wounded men. Although weak from loss of blood, he got to his feet and courageously returned once more to his exposed position, repelling furious North Vietnamese assaults with a heavy volume of fire. While fighting fiercely against the advancing hostile force, Private Boedecker was wounded yet again by an enemy rocket and evacuated from the battlefield to a hospital. Private First Class Boedecker'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. 1419 (March 29, 1968)

BOICE, CRAIG H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Craig H. Boice (0-5315188), 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, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Captain Boice distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 February 1968 during a reconnaissance-in-force operation three kilometers southwest of Can Tho in Phong Dinh Province. When elements of his company came under a ground attack, Captain Boice dashed forward through the bullet-swept area to a dike-line. Despite a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire cracking above his head and splattering a few feet to his front, he exposed himself to hurl grenades at the communist positions, silencing one automatic weapon and killing five Viet Cong. Crawling forward to a vantage point, he then directed gun ship attacks on an enemy rocket position only twenty-five meters to his front, successfully destroying the weapon. During a second assault by the communists, he shot four Viet Cong as they rushed his position. Then directing artillery fire to within fifty meters of his forward and flank positions, he repulsed the attack and nine more aggressors were killed. After a third assault had been repelled as darkness approached, Captain Boice requested an ambulance helicopter. When the ship landed it came under a deadly hail of small arms fire. Realizing that the craft would be forced to take off immediately, he picked up the most seriously wounded man and, crossing through the hostile fusillade, placed him aboard. Once he had moved the remaining casualties back within the perimeter to await evacuation in daylight, he continued to direct artillery fire until the Viet Cong withdrew. Captain Boice'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. 463 (February 10, 1969)

BOLIN, HAROLD E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Harold E. Bolin (0-5325046), 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 5th Infantry Division Advisory Detachment, Advisory Team 70, United States Army Advisory Group, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Bolin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 November 1967 as senior advisor and commander of the Vietnamese units defending the Bo Duc District Headquarters during an enemy attack. In the early morning hours, a Viet Cong regiment unleashed a savage mortar and rocket barrage on the Bo Duc compounds, coupled with a simultaneous ground assault. Captain Bolin unhesitantly left the safety of his command bunker and raced through a withering hail of bullets and shrapnel to an exposed perimeter bunker. Realizing that the insurgents greatly outnumbered his troop, he quickly called for artillery support, helicopter gunship fires and tactical air strikes. Heavy enemy machine gun fire raked his position, and several rockets exploded against his bunker. Heedless of the intense fusillade, Captain Bolin relayed artillery adjustments to the guns and directed devastating fighter aircraft bombing runs. The determined attackers broke through the headquarters' southern compound in a particularly fierce charge. Captain Bolin fearlessly exposed himself to deadly enemy automatic weapons fire to cover his troops' withdrawal to the adjoining north compound. A Viet Cong light machine gun squad isolated him from his comrades as he maneuvered to join them, so he crawled to within ten meters of the hostile soldiers and destroyed them and their emplacement with a hand grenade. Assuring himself that all his troops had reached safety, he called napalm and bomb strikes on the insurgents as they hotly pursued their temporary gains. Despite the heavy defensive fires, the fanatical Viet Cong unleashed three more massive ground assaults. Captain Bolin successfully directed the garrison's repulsion of these attempts and then led a fierce counterattack, inspiring his troops to rout the remaining Viet Cong. His gallant leadership in close combat turned a probable defeat into brilliant victory over a numerically superior force. Captain Bolin'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. 2386 (May 20, 1968)

BORCK, KEITH R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Keith R. Borck, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Keith R. Borck, while a member of the 93d Transportation Company, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving an opposing force in the Republic of Vietnam, on 2 January 1963. As an Aircraft Commander, Chief Warrant Officer Borck demonstrated professional skill, decisive leadership, and fortitude on his fourth mission into an assault zone in support of a military operation conducted by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam in defense of their homeland. When his aircraft was struck by automatic weapons fire, inflicting major damage to the aircraft and wounding the co-pilot, he evacuated the crew to a rescue helicopter. As the helicopter attempted to take off, it too was damaged by intense automatic weapons fire which wounded all of the crew members. Chief Warrant Officer Borck voluntarily and bravely exposed himself to the automatic weapons fire while evacuating both crews, placing them in a defilade position, and administering first aid to his wounded comrades. Then, as a second rescue helicopter returned to effect the rescue, it was struck by recoilless rifle fire and crashed. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Chief Warrant Officer Borck dashed through intense weapons fire, reached the downed aircraft and, while exposed to the onslaught, tore out Plexiglas panels and extricated the crew. For 3 hours they lay in a wet, muddy rice paddy under constant sniper fire. When hostile strafing prevented a third aircraft from effecting the rescue, he led the men to a more protected area and organized a perimeter defense until an aircraft finally succeeded in effecting their evacuation. Chief Warrant Officer Borck's conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 11 (March 25, 1964)

BORIS, TIMOTHY D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Timothy D. Boris (US54605994), 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 D, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Boris distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 April 1968 as medical aidman of an infantry company during a search and destroy mission. The company came under sudden, intense automatic weapons and mortar fire resulting in several casualties being trapped in the open. Abandoning the relative safety of his position, Specialist Boris rushed to aid one of his fallen comrades. He was wounded in the leg, but managed to move the injured soldier to safety and administer first aid. He again moved through a hail of bullets into the open to rescue another casualty, and he was wounded a second time as he carried the man to safety. Specialist Boris attempted a third rescue. As he crawled toward the injured man, he received a third wound which completely immobilized him and caused him to be evacuated. Specialist Four Boris' 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. 3369 (July 16, 1968)

*BORJA, DOMINGO R. S. (MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Domingo R. S. Borja (RA50008052), Sergeant First 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 Command and Control Detachment, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Borja distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 February 1967 while serving as Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese reconnaissance team. Sergeant Borja was leading his patrol towards a much used trail when voices in a North Vietnamese dialect were heard. As he and another man moved forward to investigate, he received a burst of machine gun fire. Reacting instantaneously, but calmly, Sergeant Borja fired and killed three of the enemy. As the other man moved forward to capture the enemy weapons, he was hit in the chest by another burst of fire. Sergeant Borja again fired, killed the attackers, and ran out to drag the man back to safety. Disregarding his exposure to fire from an estimated company of insurgents, he brought the man back to the unit, then led them out of the area. As they moved, the casualty and several other men became separated from the main force. Again ignoring the danger, Sergeant Borja returned to unite the straggling element with the leaders. Just as he located the small group, he saw an insurgent about to fire on them. The two men saw each other simultaneously and fired, killing each other instantly. Sergeant Borja's selfless actions prevented his team from suffering heavy casualties and enabled it to complete its mission. Sergeant First Class Borja's 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. 1648 (April 12, 1967)
Born: February 1, 1931 at Cabanatuan Iloilo, Philippine Islands
Home Town: San Francisco, California

*BOROWSKI, JOHN C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John C. Borowski (RA16838078), Private First 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 A, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Private First Class Borowski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 July 1967 while serving as platoon machine gunner during a large scale search and destroy mission near Dak To. As Private Borowski's platoon investigated a recently traveled trail, it received intense fire from a well entrenched Viet Cong battalion. Firing rifles, automatic weapons and mortars from concealed bunkers, the insurgents were able to inflict numerous casualties on the friendly force. Private Borowski disregarded his own safety in this storm of fire and maneuvered to within 20 meters of the enemy's right flank machine gun position. When his own machine gun was damaged by an insurgent's fire, he continued to engage the hostile gunners using only his pistol. He received a shrapnel wound but never eased his force of attack. Later, despite enemy fire sweeping the area, Private Borowski crawled to a nearby friendly position. He refused medical treatment, grabbed a rifle and grenade launcher, and once again advanced on the Viet Cong. He was mortally wounded while firing with devastating effect into the enemy's bunkers. Private First Class Borowski's 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. 4465 (September 14, 1967)
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois

*BOSWORTH, RICHARD LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard Lee Bosworth (US51876273), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 16 February 1968 while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 22d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, elements of Company A were conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation in the vicinity of Tay Ninh. As the lead platoon moved into the outskirts of the city and approached a brick wall, it came under attack by antitank rockets, rifle grenades, automatic weapons and small arms fire from an estimated battalion of Viet Cong concealed in well-fortified bunkers. As Specialist Bosworth was positioning his armored personnel carrier for an assault on the enemy positions, the vehicle was struck and disabled by an antitank rocket and he was severely wounded. Completely disregarding his own painful wounds, Specialist Bosworth assisted in the evacuation of the other casualties. Moving through a heavy volume of enemy fire, he climbed aboard another armored vehicle and was positioning it for an attack on the Viet Cong when a grenade exploded on top of the vehicle, wounding him a second time and knocking him from the vehicle. Undaunted by the pain of his wounds and ignoring the fierce fighting raging around him, he obtained a rifle and charged the enemy bunkers alone. After wiping out an enemy rocket position, he charged toward another enemy bunker. While completely exposed to the enemy bullets, he was mortally wounded by a burst of fire from an enemy machine gun. His personal bravery and determination were responsible for saving the lives of many of his comrades. Specialist Bosworth's conspicuous gallantry was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (February 4, 1969)
Home Town: Marengo, Ohio

BOTT, RUSSELL P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Russell P. Bott, 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 Detachment B-52, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during the period 29 November 1966 to 1 December 1966. Sergeant Bott distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Special Forces advisor to a joint American-Vietnamese reconnaissance team. On the night of 29 November, the team was infiltrated deep within hostile territory, and throughout the night heard movement close to its position. The following morning, Sergeant Bott and his four comrades fiercely engaged ten Viet Cong troops, killing six and forcing the rest to flee. Continuing their patrol, the team again noticed insurgent presence during that night. On the morning of 1 December, fearing their position had been compromised, the team members were forced to open fire on another hostile group. Soon after the initial exchange of fire, Sergeant Bott's patrol was surrounded by a large Viet Cong unit. During the ensuing assaults, the other American advisor was seriously wounded and one Vietnamese was killed. Along with only two other men capable of fighting, Sergeant Bott dauntlessly directed their fire and threw grenades, as they bravely held their position. When rescue helicopters finally reached the team's location, the two Vietnamese soldiers started to maneuver towards the pickup zone. With complete disregard for his safety, Sergeant Bott raised his pistol and motioned them to continue without him, as he elected to stay behind with the wounded advisor. His selfless decision to remain alone and protect his stricken comrade against overwhelming odds was an act of unimpeachable valor. Sergeant Bott'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. 460 (January 30, 1967)

BOUCHARD, THOMAS D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas D. Bouchard (RA11482630), Private First 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Bouchard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 December 1967 while serving as a rifleman during combat operations near the village of Dai Dong. Upon hearing that his former company was involved in a fierce firefight with a battalion of North Vietnamese. Private Bouchard left the security of the headquarters area where he was assigned as a cook, boarded a helicopter and flew to the battle site. He joined the unit as it began an assault on heavily fortified enemy positions. In the first minutes of the attack, one of the company's armored personnel carriers was hit and the entire crew was wounded. Private Bouchard fearlessly raced twenty meters through an intense hail of bullets to the stricken vehicle. Still exposed to withering enemy fire, he placed all casualties in the area aboard the armored personnel carrier, mounted the vehicle, and took the controls. He then drove the vehicle to safety, plowing through the North Vietnamese machine gun bunker and killing its occupants as he went. A second assault was unleashed, and Private Bouchard braved savage hostile fire to personally charge several fortified enemy bunkers and destroy them with rifle fire and hand grenades. While assaulting one of the emplacements, he came face to face with three North Vietnamese and killed them at point blank range with bursts from his weapon. His dauntless courage in close combat accounted for twenty enemy dead and inspired his fellow soldiers to achieve and overwhelming victory. Private First Class Bouchard'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. 954 (March 1, 1968)

BOWERS, CHARLES JOSEPH, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles Joseph Bowers, Jr., 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. Captain Bowers distinguished himself while serving as Senior Advisor to the 1st Battalion, 42d Regiment, 22d Division (ARVN). While on an operation in Kontum Province, the battalion engaged a numerically superior enemy force. During the contact, Captain Bowers exposed himself several times to withering enemy fire and directed supporting helicopter gunships and jets in order to inflict casualties on the enemy. After 20 hours of continuous assaults, the enemy broke through the outer perimeter and attacked the battalion headquarters. Captain Bowers rallied personnel in the area and led two successful efforts to repel the enemy. Realizing that the position would soon be overrun, he made plans with the battalion commander for an attempted breakout. He and approximately twenty others succeeded in breaking contact and moved into the enemy-infested triple-canopy jungle. During the day, his group made contact with hostile forces, and several men were wounded. That night, after breaking contact, Captain Bowers contacted a medevac helicopter and directed it through the darkness to pick up three of the wounded. Despite small arms fire directed at the aircraft, he exposed his position to direct the aircraft to the landing site. As the evacuation was completed, hostile forces again attacked the group. Captain Bowers gathered his group, successfully broke contact and led the remaining personnel to a safer position. After three days of evading the enemy, the group encountered friendly forces and were evacuated. Captain Bowers' 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. 2264 (1965) (June 29, 1971)

BOWLIN, CALVIN J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Calvin J. Bowlin, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 July 1964. As an enlisted advisor to a battalion of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam, Sergeant Bowlin demonstrated professional skill, determination, and fortitude while accompanying the friendly units on a military mission. When the Vietnamese battalion was suddenly ambushed by two hostile battalions, killing the Senior American advisor, Sergeant Bowlin immediately assumed full responsibility for the situation. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he moved through open terrain under heavy enemy fire to reorganize the dispersed Vietnamese units, to establish a perimeter defense, and to rally the troops into a counterattack. Despite the intense gun fire, he then succeeded in retrieving the battalion's radio from a rice paddy, cleaned it, and put it into operating condition. Again exposing himself to the onslaught of gun fire, he directed air strikes against the hostile forces to within 25 meters of his position. His bravery, perseverance, and courageous actions encouraged the friendly forces to retaliate and prevented the annihilation of the battalion. Sergeant Bowlin's conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (February 5, 1965)

*BOWMAN, DAVID WINSLOW
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to David Winslow Bowman (0-5315189), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Assistant Advisor to the 44th Ranger Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 April 1965, Captain Bowman accompanied the 1st Company, 44th Ranger Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, whose mission was to assist an armored troop which was being attacked by a well dug-in Viet Cong battalion. Upon engaging the insurgents at the assault area, the senior Vietnamese Ranger officer present sustained serious wounds. Realizing the importance of command control, Captain Bowman without regard for his personal safety, dashed across the fire-swept front to inform the 1st Company Commander, the next senior Vietnamese officer present, of the fate of the fallen Ranger officer. With the Company Commander of the 1st Company now in charge, Captain Bowman advanced with the assault force and directed air strikes at the hostile positions located approximately one hundred and ten yards to his front. While advancing with the assault force, he encountered and eliminated three insurgents. At one point, the assault was temporarily halted due to an exceedingly strong hail of hostile fire being directed at the advancing group. While awaiting the air landing of the remainder of the Ranger Battalion and another air strike at the hostile positions, Captain Bowman positioned himself behind an out-of-action armored personnel carrier and continued to fire into the Viet Cong position. Captain Bowman, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, left the relative safety of his position and moved toward the insurgents to a vantage point in an open field to direct air strikes by arriving friendly aircraft. As he stood amidst the hail of hostile fire and directed the air assault, he was mortally wounded. Captain Bowman's extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 147 (May 22, 1965)
Home Town: Gloucester, Massachusetts

*BOWMAN, JOSEPH B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joseph B. Bowman (0-5340137), Second Lieutenant (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 A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade (Light), Americal Division. Second Lieutenant Bowman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 February 1968 as an infantry platoon leader during a combat mission near DaNang. A Marine platoon had become engaged by enemy forces operating from a nearby village, and Lieutenant Bowman led his troops to reinforce the beleaguered unit. As his element approached the village across a large open rice paddy, a North Vietnamese Army battalion sprang a savage ambush on it from entrenched and concealed positions in a tree line and, at the same time, pounded it with a withering barrage of mortar, rocket and automatic weapons fire from the village. The devastating fusillade wounded Lieutenant Bowman and many of his men. Disregarding his wounds and safety, he fearlessly moved among his troops and directed them to defensive positions behind a paddy dike. He then began to evacuate the casualties, and the insurgents unleashed a series of fanatic human wave assaults on his perimeter. Bullets struck all around him as he moved from position to position and inspired his men to repel the determined attacks. The enemy finally overran his lines despite the heroic defense, and Lieutenant Bowman led his men in fierce hand-to-hand battle that inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his troops in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force. Second Lieutenant Bowman's 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. 2342 (May 17, 1968)
Home Town: Roanoke, Virginia

BOYD, CHARLES N.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles N. Boyd (RA15450998), Sergeant First 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 Troop A, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Platoon Sergeant Boyd distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 February 1968 as acting platoon leader of an armored cavalry troop on a search and destroy operation in the village of Thon Hai. As his unit moved into the hamlet to search for enemy elements, it was suddenly attacked by a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force firing automatic weapons and small arms. Exposing himself to a hail of bullets, Sergeant Boyd delivered devastating machine gun fire into the enemy positions to suppress the fusillade and to mark targets for the rest of his platoon. His unit's armored vehicles could not advance on the insurgents and engage them at close quarters because of the thick underbrush and rice paddy dikes in the area. Completely disregarding his safety, Sergeant Boyd dismounted his vehicle and armed only with grenades and a pistol, fearlessly assaulted into the face of the ravaging enemy fire. He fought his way through the dense underbrush to a North Vietnamese trench and killed two insurgents with his pistol. The enemy concentrated murderous fire toward him, but he continued his charge and killed two more insurgents by throwing grenades in their emplacement. Despite all attempts to stop him, he advanced deeper into the fortification complex and killed another two enemy soldiers in a bunker with pistol fire. His heroic actions inspired his men to fight aggressively and annihilate the North Vietnamese forces. Platoon Sergeant Boyd'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. 2409 & 4014 (1968) (May 21, 1968)

BOYINGTON, JERRY JAMES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jerry James Boyington (0-5321381), Captain (Aviation), 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, 25th Aviation Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Boyington distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 August 1968 as commander of a smoke screening helicopter in support of combat assault operations near the town of Bau Trau. A flight of troop-carrying helicopters approaching a landing zone came under intense hostile fire from an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese forces, which included an anti-aircraft company. Captain Boyington fearlessly maneuvered his aircraft between the troop ships and the enemy fusillade to lay screening smoke for the unarmed aircraft. Disregarding his safety, he placed the smoke screen to within meters of the hostile positions, and by flying at point blank range, drew the deadly fire away from the troop-laden aircraft. He continued to protect the landing troops until the murderous barrage damaged his helicopter, forcing him to break contact. Captain Boyington'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. 5627 (December 5, 1968)
Born: at Bay Minette, Alabama
Home Town: Mobile, Alabama

BRADSELL, PETER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Peter Bradsell, Chief Warrant Officer, 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 Troop B, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade. Chief Warrant Officer Peter Bradsell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 31 May 1971 to 5 June 1971. On 31 May 1971, he volunteered to fly a Vietnamese Army doctor to First Support Base Five, Kontum Province, Military Region II, Republic of Vietnam. This base was manned by a unit of the South Vietnamese Army, was surrounded by an estimated regiment of the enemy and had been under siege for seven days. Two previous attempts to re-supply the base and deliver medical support by air had failed and both aircraft were lost. Notwithstanding, Chief Warrant Officer Bradsell, exhibiting exceptional flying proficiency and bravery under fire, skillfully landed his helicopter at the beleaguered fire base amidst impacting mortar and rocket fire. Although he attempted takeoff to extract a seriously wounded soldier, he was unable to fly the aircraft because of power failure. He immediately volunteered to the Vietnamese Army commander of the compound to assist in the fire base's defense. Subsequently, using his extensive knowledge of aerial weapons employment, he successfully directed air and artillery strikes (some as close as 50 meters) against the enemy. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, he assisted in the care of the wounded and in resisting the enemy attacks. His extraordinary bravery, perseverance and dedication inspired the Vietnamese soldiers and encouraged them to continue the fight in the face of a numerically superior and determined enemy. His valiant efforts helped deny the enemy a significant victory on the battlefield as the siege was lifted on the seventh day. Chief Warrant Officer Bradsell'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. 1075 (May 20, 1972)
Home Town: Milford, New Hampshire

*BRADY, JOSEPH MARTIN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joseph Martin Brady (US52617637), Private First 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 A, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Brady distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions extraordinary heroism while participating in a search and destroy operation against hostile forces near Tapang Son, Republic of Vietnam, on 5 February 1967. The lead elements of Private Brady's Company were suddenly taken under extremely intense and accurate gun fire from a Viet Cong force of undetermined size concealed in well fortified positions. The Third Platoon immediately maneuvered forward to flank the enemy positions, simultaneously drawing a heavy volume of enemy fire. As they maneuvered towards their objective, one of the armored personnel carriers was struck by an enemy (RPG-2) recoilless rife round and burst into flames, seriously wounding all of its occupants. Without hesitation, Private Brady fearlessly exposed himself to the withering enemy fire as he dismounted his own vehicle and rushed to the aid of his wounded comrades. Private Brady, upon arriving at the flaming armored personnel carrier, entered the vehicle and assisted a wounded comrade out of the raging flames to the comparative safety of his own vehicle. Once again, he traversed through the bullet riddled enemy "Killing Zone," entering the vehicle and helping another wounded comrade to safety. Once he was assured that all of his wounded comrades were safely evacuated, Private Brady again returned to the flaming vehicle, attempting to extinguish the blazing flames. Realizing that the flames had spread too rapidly to completely extinguish, Private Brady crawled into the driver's compartment and shut off the master switch, completely disregarding the intense heat. Although knowing that the vehicle might explode at anytime, Private Brady then climbed into the cupola of the vehicle, exposing himself to the enemy fire, and began to place a suppressive volume of .50 caliber fire into the enemy positions, attempting to subdue the withering enemy fire and allow his comrades to flank the enemy positions. He quickly found his target, eliminating the enemy automatic weapons position and killing three of the enemy insurgents. Simultaneously, Private Brady began to receive heavy sniper fire into his position. Although uncertain of the enemy's location, Private Brady aggressively began to search for the insurgent by fire, spraying the area with a devastating volley of .50 caliber fire. Ignoring the enemy sniper rounds that were ricocheting off of his cupola, Private Brady continued to expose himself, trying to eliminate the enemy, until he was mortally wounded by the enemy sniper rounds. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, all of the wounded men in the burning armored personnel carrier were quickly evacuated; the flames were controlled and the vehicle eventually rescued, and the enemy automatic weapons position was silenced, allowing his comrades to overrun and disperse the enemy without sustaining any further friendly casualties. Private Brady's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself, and the Armed Forces of his country.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 46 (October 26, 1967)
Home Town: Weston, West Virginia

BRADY, PATRICK HENRY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Patrick Henry Brady (0-88015), Major (Medical Service Corps), 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 54th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance), 74th Medical Battalion, 67th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade. Major Brady distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 and 3 October 1967 as pilot of an ambulance helicopter on a rescue mission near Tam Ky. A friendly force requested extraction of several seriously wounded soldiers from a mountainous jungle landing zone, and Major Brady volunteered to attempt the rescue although heavy storms had grounded numerous aircraft in the area. Flying by instruments and radar, he arrived in the area of engagement and began a vertical descent into the tight landing zone by the light of flares. Unable to see more than a few feet outside his aircraft, he skillfully maneuvered to the friendly forces, loaded his ship to capacity and quickly flew to the hospital. The storm increased in intensity and made flying extremely hazardous, but he returned to the pickup site and once more attempted to land. As he approached the area, enemy forces directed devastating machine gun and automatic weapons fire at him. Completely disregarding his personal welfare, he flew low over the area for forty-five minutes before he located the friendly forces. Guiding himself by the flashes of the enemy weapons, he flew into the landing zone through a curtain of fire and loaded eight patients. He quickly flew the patients to the hospital, and once more returned to pick up the remaining casualties and carry them to safety. His fearless actions were responsible for the rapid and successful evacuation of several wounded fellow soldiers. Major Brady'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. 2733 (June 7, 1968)
Born: October 1, 1936 at Philip, South Dakota
Home Town: Seattle, Washington
Other Award: Medal of Honor (Vietnam)

*BRAGG, FRED GARLAND, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Fred Garland Bragg, Jr. (0-5419338), First Lieutenant (Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Battery B, 4th Battalion, 42d Artillery, 4th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Bragg distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 July 1967 while serving as artillery forward observer with an infantry company on a search and destroy mission near the Cambodian border in the Central Highlands. When his company was surrounded and the company commander was killed, Lieutenant Bragg immediately took command and directed extremely deadly artillery fire on the insurgent forces. He bravely moved among his men giving encouragement and regrouping them into a more secure defense although he was fully exposed to intense mortar and automatic weapons fire. Seriously wounded, he continued to direct air strikes on the advancing enemy until a mortar round destroyed his only remaining radio. Staying in the open, he poured round after round of deadly fire into the advancing enemy force. He gave his life while bravely leading his men in the face of overwhelming odds. First Lieutenant Bragg's 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. 4664 (September 14, 1967)
Home Town: Etna, Ohio

BRANHAM, STEVEN R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Steven R. Branham, 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 C, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Branham distinguished himself while serving as a machine gunner during a reconnaissance mission in Binh Long Province. His unit was moving over thick, jungle terrain when the forward element was pinned down by rocket and automatic weapons fire from an attacking enemy squad. Without hesitation, Specialist Branham rushed forward from his position in the rear of the element to engage the attackers with machine gun fire. Unleashing bursts of fire as he crawled along, Specialist Branham made his way over an exposed trail as the enemy's automatic weapons and rocket fire filled the air and impacted all about him. When his assistant was felled by hostile fire, he shielded his comrade with his own body until a medical aidman could move up. Despite an increased volume of enemy fire, Specialist Branham then gathered up his machine gun and ammunition and resumed his lone assault on the enemy. With the adversary's fire following his every movement, he boldly dashed to a position and with devastatingly accurate machine gun fire drove the foe to hasty and disorganized retreat. Specialist Four Branham'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. 1081 (May 6, 1970)

BRAUN, CONRAD D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Conrad D. Braun (0-5329769), Second Lieutenant (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 C, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Braun distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 February 1967 while serving as platoon leader during a search and destroy mission near the Cambodian border. As Lieutenant Braun's platoon approached a village, it was pinned down in a vicious crossfire of machine guns, then surrounded by an overwhelmingly larger hostile force. The Viet Cong initiated a heavy mortar barrage which steadily took its toll of the friendly platoon. As the crisis deepened, however, Lieutenant Braun's presence of mind and control of his men never faltered. Although the insurgents began to attack in force his hemmed in platoon, he called for his artillery and armed helicopter support and prevented the enemy from assembling in effective strength. Lieutenant Braun dauntlessly remained in exposed positions to guide the battle. At one point, he left his cover long enough for a hostile rifleman to shoot the radio handset from his hands. He unhesitatingly ran out into the hail of fire and recovered the instrument that was so vital to air and artillery support elements. When reinforcements finally reached his platoon, Lieutenant Braun and one other man were the only unwounded defenders. Lieutenant Braun on several occasions fearlessly ran out into the field of fire to bring his wounded comrades to safety. His courageous actions inspired his men to stave off and kill 94 of the larger Viet Cong force. Second Lieutenant Braun's extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2320 (May 22, 1967)

BREED, ROLLA M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Rolla M. Breed (0-5406364), Captain (Artillery), [then First Lieutenant], 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 116th Assault Helicopter Company, 11th Combat Aviation Battalion. Captain Breed distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the night of 22 October 1966 while flying in a flight of nine troop helicopters responsible for extracting beleaguered elements of the 25th Infantry Division. Throughout the day, extremely intense hostile fire had taken its toll of infantry and helicopters. When his aircraft received several damaging hits on the first landing, Captain Breed skillfully flew to a secure area to make repairs and evacuate his wounded crew chief. Returning to the battle, he dauntlessly braved the hostile fire and impending darkness to successfully extract a lift of troops. When an aircraft was shot down on departure, Captain Breed accompanied three other aircraft back into the besieged pickup zone. As the flight attempted to insert a security force, two of the helicopters were raked by hostile fire and crashed. With complete disregard for his safety, he selflessly remained over the battlefield, hovering in the darkness and rain, until he could safely land his troops and evacuate five of his wounded comrades. After refueling, Captain Breed voluntarily led another flight of reinforcements on a successful lift into the ravaged pickup zone. When intense Viet Cong fire brought down another helicopter, he again deliberately risked his life to rescue the wounded crew. Exposing himself to the intense fire and hazardous conditions, he courageously flew into the center of the conflict for the fifth time and extracted two more wounded men. His repeated gallantry under t he most critical conditions, helped save many lives. Captain Breed'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. 92 (January 8, 1967)

BRELAND, ARTIS, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Artis Breland, Jr. (RA18711229), Private First 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 A, 39th Engineer Battalion (Combat), 45th Engineer Group (Construction), 18th Engineer Brigade. Private First Class Breland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 March 1967 while serving as machine gunner during a Viet Cong ambush in hostile territory. Private Breland was selected, with six other men, to flank and counterattack a Viet Cong squad which ambushed his platoon. To reach the insurgent element, he was forced to crawl 200 meters through exposed areas of a rice paddy. Private Breland suppressed the hostile weapons with a tremendous burst of fire while the rest of his patrol ran across a road, then he jumped up and ran to join his comrades. In the outburst of enemy fire, he was hit in the helmet and knocked to the ground, dazed. He recovered in moments, grabbed his helmet, and succeeded in reaching the patrol, although enemy bullets tore up the ground along his path. Private Breland laid down a base of covering fire while his squad members made the next advance and then ran to join them, but was hit by a Viet Cong bullet in the right leg and fell to the ground. Disregarding his exposed position and the hostile shells striking all around him, he poured a stream of fire into the enemy emplacements until the insurgents were silenced. Taking no heed of his wound, Private Breland ran to join his squad and again prepared for further assaults. When told to give the machine gun to another soldier and report to a medic, he refused and continued to attack the Viet Cong in a highly aggressive manner until the ambush was repulsed. Private First Class Breland'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. 2635 (June 5, 1967)

*BRENNER, KENNETH JAMES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Kenneth James Brenner (US56432124), Private First 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 A, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Private First Class Brenner distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 March 1969 as a medic in Tay Ninh Province. While his Company was securing a perimeter to allow helicopters to deliver supplies, the unit came under intense fire from a nearby wood line. Exposed to a hail of bullets, Private Brenner advanced over a hundred meters to reach several wounded comrades who lay close to the enemy bunkers. Firing his rifle at the communists, he treated the casualties and aided in their evacuation. When all the injured had been rescued and his company withdrew, he went to the rear where he continued to administer medical treatment and helped load ambulance helicopters. After air strikes were directed against the foe, he joined his unit in a second assault. As he courageously tried to help a man caught in the hostile killing zone, he was mortally wounded by the enemy fusillade. Private First Class Brenner's 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. 2138 (June 17, 1969)

BREWER, GARY D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gary D. Brewer (RA16633971), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop C, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Brewer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as the platoon sergeant of a cavalry unit while defending Tan Son Nhut Air Base during the enemy's TET offensive. A large Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army force penetrated the defensive wire surrounding the base and occupied positions on the west end of the runway. Sergeant Brewer maneuvered his platoon to attack the enemy's northwest flank and successfully cut off the penetration. During this maneuver, both of his platoon's flanks became exposed to withering fire from elements of six enemy battalions. During the ensuing battle, the combined enemy force fired fierce volumes of rocket, machine gun and small arms fire into the small unit, inflicting numerous casualties. Finding that all the unit's officers had been wounded or killed, Sergeant Brewer immediately assumed command and deployed his troops for the five-hour struggle which followed. Undaunted by the enemy fusillade around him, he maintained vitally necessary communications with his squadron commander and requested and directed medical evacuation of the wounded and air re-supply. He frequently dismounted his armored vehicle to fight his way through the hostile emplacements to regain contact with separated members of his force and to direct their fire. His courage and professional guidance instilled confidence in his men, even though on numerous occasions the enemy threatened to overrun their positions. His outstanding leadership contributed significantly to the overwhelming defeat of the enemy. Staff Sergeant Brewer'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. 3759 (August 2, 1968)

BRIDGES, JAMES A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James A. Bridges, Warrant Officer (W-1), 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 Aero Scout Company, 123d Aviation Battalion, Americal Division. Warrant Officer Bridges distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 July 1969 while piloting a light observation helicopter in support of infantry troops who had engaged a North Vietnamese unit northwest of Duc Pho. In attempting to sweep the enemy from their fortified positions within a bamboo-covered trench, the Americans became stalled and suffered several casualties. Mister Bridges immediately began flying low passes over the hostile positions in order to mark them with smoke grenades. Concentrating their fire power on the pin-pointed targets, the friendly troops soon disorganized the enemy. Experiencing control difficulties because his craft had been damaged by hostile fire, Mister Bridges started to leave the area when he sighted a wounded American lying close to the enemy bunkers and isolated from his comrades. Despite the limited landing space and its proximity to the enemy, he landed and took the casualty aboard. Ignoring the hostile barrage that raked his craft, he lifted off to accomplish the evacuation. Warrant Officer Bridges' 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. 3785 (October 7, 1969)

BRINDEL, CHARLES L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles L. Brindel (0-94831), Lieutenant Colonel (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 Advisory Team 100, United States Army Advisory Group, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Brindel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 during the Tet offensive against Saigon. Lieutenant Colonel Brindel was notified that a military police patrol had suffered heavy casualties in a Viet Cong ambush and the dead and wounded could not be extracted. He immediately secured two commando cars and moved to the site to rescue the stricken troops. Upon arrival, he found the casualties were trapped in an alley by withering enemy rocket and automatic weapons fire, and he organized a four-man team to make the evacuation attempt. Using one of the commando cars, Colonel Brindel's party braved the savage fusillade to maneuver down the alleyway and recover to badly wounded men. Colonel Brindel decided to reenter the alley, recover more wounded and the bodies of the dead, and at the same time direct a sweep against the well entrenched hostile forces. Disregarding his personal safety, he elected to lead the sweeping element. The Viet Cong increased the intensity of their barrage as he directed his hastily organized force through a curtain of fire which immediately downed three of his men. Despite bullets striking all around him, Colonel Brindel continued to expose himself to the enemy weapons and repeatedly carried casualties out of the alley as he skillfully commanded the fires of the sweeping force on the insurgent's positions. He then called for and directed devastating helicopter gunship strafing runs on the determined attackers, forcing them to withdraw. Colonel Brindel's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1620 (April 10, 1968)
Home Town: Lexington, Kentucky

BRISCOE, CHARLES H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles H. Briscoe, 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 C, 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Captain Briscoe distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 June 1968 while leading an infantry company. During the initial probe of an enemy battalion's stronghold, Captain Briscoe learned that several wounded were trapped in a field raked by enemy fire. He rushed to the forefront and led an assault to recover the wounded personnel. As he and his headquarters element came in sight of the wounded they began drawing fire from two bunkers armed with heavy machine guns. He crawled toward his senior aidman who was lying wounded in a clearing, firing his submachine gun at the bunkers in an effort to pin the enemy gunner down. Unmindful of the intense small arms fire from two bunkers, Captain Briscoe, with complete disregard for his own life, single-handedly assaulted the bunkers with hand grenades destroying both of them, killing their occupants. As he dragged the wounded aidman toward cover, an intense volley of heavy machinegun fire killed the aidman, narrowly missing Captain Briscoe. In spite of continued heavy enemy fire, he returned, located, and dragged his wounded forward observer out of the line of enemy fire, being himself wounded in the process. Overcoming his own pain, he continued to pull his wounded comrade toward cover. When another burst of enemy fire killed the forward observer, Captain Briscoe began crawling backward toward his unit's perimeter. As he attempted to evade the enemy fire, he fell into a concealed well. In spite of his wounds and awkward predicament, he kept command of his company. Calling to his radiomen above, he rallied his men and relayed the necessary instructions to form a defensive perimeter within the base camp. By relaying directions to his radiomen, Captain Briscoe directed a determined defense that successfully repulsed two enemy counterattacks. Following his rescue from the well, Captain Briscoe directed air strikes into the base camp to cover his company's withdrawal to a more defensible position and remained throughout the seven-hour battle, refusing to be evacuated until all his men had been cared for. His valor and total disregard for his own safety inspired his men to success against a numerically larger enemy force. Captain Briscoe'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.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 31 (July 1, 1971)
Home Town: Bryan, Texas

BROCK, BOBBY Q.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Bobby Q. Brock, 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 A, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Brock distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 June 1969 while serving as a platoon leader of an ambush patrol on the Bau Dieu Peninsula. When an enemy force opened fire, Sergeant Brock maneuvered among his men directing fire and pointing out targets. Although wounded by shrapnel, he removed through the fusillade to an injured comrade to administer first aid. He then assisted in leading casualties on the medical evacuation helicopter, and when the aircraft was shot down while lifting off, he rushed to the wreckage and removed the crew to safety. Despite being wounded again by a rocket grenade, he directed his men into a defensive perimeter and called in supporting artillery fire to cover the approach of another ambulance helicopter. Not until all of the casualties had been extracted and a reinforcement element had arrived did he allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. Staff Sergeant Brock'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. 3309 (August 29, 1969)

BROCK, DON E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Don E. Brock (US55853534), 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 C, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Brock distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 October 1967 while serving as radio-telephone operator of an infantry company on a combat mission near Ap Dong. Shortly after making an airmobile assault into hostile territory, the company was fiercely attacked by a Viet Cong force firing automatic weapons, rockets and small arms. The company commander was killed in the initial barrage and the artillery forward observer assumed command of the company. Fighting furiously to repel the savage enemy onslaught, Specialist Brock personally killed two insurgents and his deadly accurate fire kept the enemy from overwhelming his position. When the forward observer was seriously wounded, Specialist Brock immediately assumed command of the company and calmly and skillfully directed the defenses while continuing to maintain contact with higher headquarters. The battle grew more fierce, and it became necessary to call artillery on the enemy positions which were in close proximity to Specialist Brock's troops. Completely disregarding his personal safety he moved among his men under a curtain of fire and directed their movement out of range of the heavy ordnance. As darkness fell, he led his troops, without the aid of map or compass, to the security of the battalion perimeter. His unhesitating and fearless leadership was responsible for the successful withdrawal of his unit from a savage engagement with numerically superior forces. Specialist Four Brock'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. 727 (February 16, 1968)

*BROPHY, DANIEL RALPH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Daniel Ralph Brophy (US56705375), 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 Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Brophy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 June 1968 while serving as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner during a visual reconnaissance mission north of An Nhut Tan. His aircraft was being flown at low levels when it was caught in an enemy cross fire which wounded the pilot and caused the ship to crash. Specialist Brophy's leg was broken upon impact. Despite his great physical pain and the constant enemy fire, he managed to evacuate the helicopter and drag his machine gun into a relatively protected position. He was then joined by the pilot, and they fought their way through the Viet Cong lines until they were forced to take refuge in a bunker. Specialist Brophy and his pilot then battled the determined hostile force until their position was overrun and they were killed. Specialist Fourth Class Brophy's 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. 4491 (September 25, 1968)
Home Town: Oceanside, California

*BROWN, CHARLES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Charles Brown (RA12925615), 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, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry, Americal Division. Specialist Four Brown distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 February 1969 as a squad leader during a search and clear operation near the village of Minh Khanh in Quang Ngai Province. His company came under intense hand grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire, causing several casualties. Specialist Brown immediately left his position of relative safety to assist the fallen men. Braving a hail of bullets, he administered first aid and rescued the wounded from under the communists' fusillade. As he was helping one of his stricken comrades, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Four Brown's 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. 1557 (May 2, 1969)
Home Town: Clarksdale, Mississippi

*BROWN, FRED EDWARD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Fred Edward Brown (15628181), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 15 March 1969 while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company B, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, when the company came under intense fire from a well-concealed enemy force, several men were wounded and pinned down in the center of the contact area. Disregarding the hostile fire, Sergeant Brown raced to one of the friendly casualties and single-handedly carried him to safety. Realizing that artillery and helicopter gunships could not be utilized unless the wounded were evacuated, Sergeant Brown again braved the deadly enemy fire to carry a second wounded man to a safe position. As Sergeant Brown returned to evacuate a third casualty, he was seriously wounded. In spite of his wounds he continued carrying his comrade until an enemy grenade landed nearby. Unhesitatingly, Sergeant Brown fell to the ground between the wounded man and the grenade just in time to shield his fellow soldier from the explosion. When other men of Company B reached his position, Sergeant Brown had succumbed to his wounds. Sergeant Brown's extraordinary courage and selfless concern for the welfare of his comrades were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (July 22, 1970)
Home Town: Hamilton, Ohio

BROWN, HERMAN LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Herman Lee Brown, 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 L, 75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger), 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), on 11 January 1970. Specialist Fourth Class Brown distinguished himself while serving as a member of a five-man Ranger Team operating in Quang Tri Province. During a rest break, four enemy soldiers were detected as they approached the team's perimeter. Waiting until the enemy soldiers drew near, Specialist Brown detonated a claymore mine and killed all of them. Other enemy troops placed intense small arms fire on t he team from concealed positions. Specialist Brown discovered that the Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader were both critically wounded by the enemy's onslaught. He rushed through enemy fire across the perimeter and administered first aid to both wounded men. Taking command, Specialist Brown called for an extraction helicopter. When he learned that rescue helicopters could not penetrate the dense jungle canopy, Specialist Brown exposed himself to enemy fire as he rushed about thirty meters to an open location where he felled several large trees to provide a landing zone for the rescue helicopters. He returned to his team's position and making two trips, carried both wounded men to the extraction zone. As the rescue helicopter hovered about two meters above the ground in full view of the enemy and under intense fire, Specialist Brown lashed the critically wounded team leader to the helicopter's skids. In the same manner, the second wounded man was extracted. On the helicopter's third trip, Specialist Brown provided cover fire while his two other comrades grasped the skids and were extracted. As Specialist Brown was being extracted, an estimated twenty-five man enemy force swarmed over the team's former position. Specialist Fourth Class Brown'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. 1926 (June 19, 1970)

*BROWN, JOEL ANDREW (MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joel Andrew Brown (US51577419), Private First 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 A, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 2d Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Private First Class Brown distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 March 1967 while serving as machine gunner on an armored personnel carrier near Prek Klok. Late at night, Private Brown's base camp came under heavy ground and mortar attack from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. He continuously placed deadly accurate fire on the enemy until thrown from the carrier by the explosion of a rocket round. Badly shaken, he braved withering fire to carry an unconscious comrade to safety and once again returned to the line. As the attack intensified, Private Brown detected an enemy rocket position and directed effective fire upon it, knocking it out. Blown from the carrier by a second rocket round and seriously wounded, he continued to ignore his personal safety and maintained his lethal fire in support of his unit's now mounting counteroffensive. As his unit directed its counterattack, Private Brown continued to inflict heavy casualties upon the enemy until a third rocket round hit his carrier's turret mortally wounding him. His determination to defeat the enemy and his dauntless courage inspired his comrades to fight with renewed dedication and defeat the insurgent attackers. Private First Class Brown's 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. 4431 (August 30, 1967)
Home Town: Hamburg, New York

BROWN, LESTER W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lester W. Brown (RA11933484), Specialist Fifth 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Brown distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 August 1968 while serving as a medical aidman with an infantry unit. He was a member of an ambush patrol operating five hundred meters beyond the main unit's defensive perimeter. The enemy launched an intense mortar and rocket attack on the small element, and followed it with a ground assault. Nineteen members of the thirty-man team became casualties. Specialist Brown moved through the heavy enemy fire and administered first aid to his wounded comrades until he had expended his medical supplies. He than crawled through a hail of bullets to the base camp where he gathered a desperately needed re-supply of medical materials and organized a rescue team. Leading two armored personnel carriers to the stricken patrol's location, he placed the wounded on the vehicles and returned with them to the unit's position. He was directly responsible for saving the lives of fourteen men. Specialist Four Brown'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. 5340 (November 17, 1968)

*BROWN, RICHARD CHARLES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard Charles Brown (RA11819901), 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, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Brown distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 March 1968 as radio-telephone operator of an infantry company on combat operations near Lai Khe. While crossing a rice paddy, his unit sighted and killed three Viet Cong moving in a nearby tree line. A fire team dispatched to check out the bodies was pinned down by devastating enemy fire and several of its members were wounded. Supporting artillery fire could not be called in because the fire team's point man was wounded and trapped in an exposed position near the insurgents' positions. Specialist Brown maneuvered forward of the friendly lines alone to aid the wounded point man. He detected three Viet Cong soldiers advancing toward him and fearlessly assaulted and killed them with his pistol. Although the enemy's full firepower was directed at him, he continued to advance under a curtain of bullets and reached his stricken comrade. As he treated the injured man, a Viet Cong threw a grenade at their position. Completely disregarding his personal welfare, Specialist Brown leaped on the wounded soldier to shield him from the blast. He was mortally wounded while gallantly and selflessly placing the life of a fellow soldier above his own in the heat of battle. Specialist Four Brown's 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. 2880 (June 17, 1968)
Home Town: Stony Point, New York

*BROWN, ROBERT ALVA, II
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Alva Brown, II (US54402608), 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 D, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Brown distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 September 1968 while serving as a squad leader during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Cu Chi. His patrol suddenly received intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from an enemy force occupying well concealed bunkers. Sergeant Brown moved without hesitation through the bullet-swept area, directing his troops' fire and re-supplying them with ammunition. Locating the position which was directing the greatest volume of automatic weapons fire on his element, he maneuvered his men forward in an attempt to flank the hostile fortification. He then single-handedly assaulted the bunker with grenades and succeeded in destroying it. Exposing himself to the communists' fusillade, Sergeant Brown continued to advance. As he attacked a second stronghold, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Sergeant Brown's 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. 5331 (November 17, 1968)
Home Town: Needles, California

BROWN, WALTER RONALD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Walter Ronald Brown (0-95811), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. During the period 9 June 1966 to 11 June 1966, Captain Brown, the company commander of Company A, had the mission of reinforcing a company that was surrounded by a Viet Cong battalion near Dak To. Upon receiving the mission, Captain Brown immediately assembled his company and began the 3,000 meter move through darkness and treacherous terrain to the battle area. As his company reached the top of the mountain overlooking the beleaguered company, it received intense hostile fire. With complete disregard for his safety, Captain Brown led a squad to the flank of the insurgent positions and initiated an assault that killed nine Viet Cong and forced the remainder of the insurgents to flee. During the assault, Captain Brown charged a machine gun emplacement and personally killed three Viet Cong. Although the situation was extremely tense, Captain Brown positioned himself with the lead element and continued to advance toward the stricken company. Upon entering a valley, the lead element again received Viet Cong fire from the surrounding high ground. While the rest of the company continued forward, Captain Brown maneuvered his machine guns into a position where they placed suppressive fire on the insurgents. As his unit reached the perimeter of the beleaguered company, the rear element was attacked by a determined Viet Cong force and one trooper fell seriously wounded. Captain Brown immediately raced 30 meters down the slope to the wounded trooper and carried him to safety. He then assumed command of the perimeter and positioned his men to repel the repeated Viet Cong attacks. Throughout the next 30 hours, Captain Brown continuously exposed himself to carry ammunition, call in air strikes, and adjust artillery fire. During a mortar attack on 10 June 1966, Captain Brown moved about the battlefield helping move wounded soldiers from exposed positions. Working against superior odds, he organized his company and rallied his men to successfully fight their way through the Viet Cong encirclement. Although confronted with the arduous task of transporting 45 litter casualties over rough terrain to an evacuation point 1,000 meters away, he never relented from his determined efforts to accomplish his mission. while moving toward the landing zone, they were again hit by a Viet Cong element. Despite the fact that he was wounded by a grenade explosion, Captain Brown ordered a charge that overran the insurgent position. After reaching the landing zone, he returned down the mountain to help his comrades carry the litter patients to the extraction point. Through his courage and outstanding leadership, he contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the Viet Cong force. Captain Brown's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force 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. 5896 (October 3, 1966)

*BRUCKER, LESLIE L., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Leslie L. Brucker, Jr. (RA23489341), 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 Detachment B-20, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Staff Sergeant Brucker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1968 as a medic and platoon leader of a mobile strike force company during an assault against fortified positions held by North Vietnamese Army troops inside the Duc Lap Special Forces camp. He was leading his platoon forward under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire when he saw his company commander and a fellow medic felled by the fusillade. Disregarding his safety, Sergeant Brucker rushed across open ground through the withering hail of bullets to reach the fallen aidman. while treating the medic he was asked to help carry his wounded company commander out of the line of enemy fire. Sergeant Brucker moved the officer to safety with the help of another American, whom he then instructed to stop the bleeding unit he returned with his aid kit. Ignoring a heavy concentrations of machine gun fire directed at his position, Sergeant Brucker returned to the injured medic. As he collected his aid kit and prepared to drag his comrade to cover, he was mortally wounded. Staff Sergeant Brucker extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the Unites States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4566 (October 2, 1968)
Home Town: Circleville, Ohio

BUCHANAN, MICHAEL D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Michael D. Buchanan, 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 Special Operations Augmentation (Command and Control North), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant Buchanan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 July 1969 while serving as assistant leader of an eight-man reconnaissance team on a mission to capture an enemy prisoner of war. Establishing an ambush near the crest of a hill deep within enemy-held territory, Sergeant Buchanan and his team immediately made contact with elements of a North Vietnamese force. As the firefight progressed, hostile reinforcements approached from every side, hemming in the Americans. Throwing grenades as he ran, Sergeant Buchanan led a break- through assault and repositioned the team at the top of the hill. As the enemy attacked from all sides, Sergeant Buchanan radioed for air support and extraction craft. The team leader meanwhile had advanced beyond the perimeter in an attempt to capture a wounded communist, and when rocket fire knocked him down, Sergeant Buchanan braved the fusillade to drag the injured leader to safety. Then, having called in air strikes on the enemy positions, he charged several North Vietnamese who had crept within meters of his position, killing two and wounding a third. He dashed through the hail of fire to capture the enemy casualty and, shielding him from further wounds, dragged him back within the perimeter. Although wounded in his determined action, he directed gunship fire to cover his comrades' movement as they worked their way down the slope to an improvised landing zone to be extracted. Although wounded himself, Sergeant Buchanan loaded the other members of the team before he was extracted. Sergeant Buchanan'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. 4282 (December 1, 1969)

*BULLARD, KARL LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Karl Lee Bullard (0-5338597), First Lieutenant (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, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. First Lieutenant Bullard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 May 1968 as an infantry platoon leader. A reinforced Viet Cong company launched a violent attack on his company's position near Bong Son. Throughout the attack, Lieutenant Bullard moved from one position to another along the perimeter, directing the fire of his men. When the attack had been repulsed, he called for volunteers to move outside the perimeter with him to recover a friendly squad which was isolated, surrounded and under attack. Lieutenant Bullard was wounded in the leg during the maneuver but refused to stop for medical treatment. When his troops reached the squad, he directed them in laying down a base of fire to cover the withdrawal. After insuring that all the beleaguered element's members had returned to safety, he moved out again to rescue a second isolated squad. Lieutenant Bullard advanced across two hundred meters of enemy controlled terrain before he contacted the surrounded element. When he arrived, he found that all the men in the squad had been wounded and the position was still receiving intense fire. The enemy then mounted a massive ground assault. Several of the Viet Cong fell at Lieutenant Bullard's feet as he directed the fire of his men which succeeded in repulsing the attack. While returning to the company perimeter, he personally killed two more insurgents. When the second squad had been brought to safety, Lieutenant Bullard left the perimeter a third time to recover a radio and machine gun which his men had been forced to leave behind. Lieutenant Bullard was personally responsible for inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and for saving the lives of twelve American soldiers. First Lieutenant Bullard's 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. 3765 (August 2, 1968)
Home Town: Miami, Florida

BULLARD, THOMAS E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas E. Bullard (US53437703), 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 116th Assault Helicopter Company, 269th Combat Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Specialist Four Bullard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 July 1967 while serving as crew chief of an assault helicopter supporting infantry operations deep in hostile territory. Shortly before noon, Specialist Bullard's crew received an urgent request for emergency evacuation of two seriously wounded soldiers. The ground unit was heavily engaged when the helicopter arrived at the pickup site, and the ship was driven off by intensely savage fire after making a low level pass to locate the casualties. The wounded men were detected in a canal away from the main force, and the aircraft quickly returned and landed nearby. Although the helicopter was continuously raked by intense fire, Specialist Bullard leaped from the craft and dashed alone through a hail of bullets to reach the injured men. Completely disregarding his own safety, Specialist Bullard began carrying one of them to the aircraft. Under a curtain of bullets and flying shrapnel, he quickly placed the wounded man aboard. With bullets striking all around him, he sprinted back to the canal and swam across it to reach the second casualty. Using a lifesaving carry, he brought the victim back through the water and began moving him to the ship. The Viet Cong intensified their fire in an attempt to stop his valiant efforts, but he ignored this extreme hazard and loaded the patient aboard. He exposed himself to the enemy weapons during the takeoff to man a doorgun and fire furiously on the determined attackers. His unselfish actions at great risk to his own life saved the lives of two seriously wounded comrades. Specialist Four Bullard'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. 6128 (November 28, 1967)

BURBANK, KENNETH R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Kenneth R. Burbank, 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 E, 3d Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Sergeant Burbank distinguished himself while serving as a reconnaissance team leader during combat operations in the Suoi Ca Valley on 28 August 1970. During the early morning hours on this date, the allied night defensive position was attacked by a large enemy force. In the ensuing engagement, an enemy hand grenade landed near Sergeant Burbank and another allied soldier. Reacting immediately, the sergeant grabbed the grenade and tossed it back toward the enemy. The grenade, however, detonated several meters in front of the sergeant and wounded him severely in the left arm. Ignoring his injury and fully aware of the impending ground assault by the enemy, Sergeant Burbank called for aerial illumination and directed helicopter gunship fire on the enemy. Moments later, an enemy white phosphorus grenade exploded inside the allied perimeter, showering Sergeant Burbank and several of his comrades with the burning chemical. Undaunted by his own burns, the sergeant ran to the aid of a fellow soldier and scraped the caustic substance from his comrade's body. With his team perilously low on ammunition as the enemy maintained close contact, Sergeant Burbank crawled in front of the allied perimeter and secured vitally needed grenades from the bodies of deceased enemy soldiers. Upon his return, the sergeant distributed the much needed grenades to his team members. Refusing to be evacuated and despite his severe wounds, he remained with his men to direct their defensive efforts until an allied relief force arrived. Sergeant Burbank'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. 5305 (December 15, 1970)

*BURKE, KEVIN GAIL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Kevin Gail Burke (0-5539311), First Lieutenant (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 A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Brigade, Americal Division. First Lieutenant Burke distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 November 1968 as a platoon leader on a combat sweep operation near the village of Tan My in Quang Tin Province. During a battle with a large force of North Vietnamese regulars, Lieutenant Burke volunteered to lead fifteen men to rescue several wounded and dead comrades who lay at the base of a hill. Throwing hand grenades and firing his rifle, he came within twenty meters of the hostile positions as he worked his way down the hill. After reaching the casualties, he supervised their evacuation and remained behind to provide covering fire, killing at least five of the communists. When his men had escaped, Lieutenant Burke attempted to rescue a seriously injured man who lay next to an enemy bunker. Braving North Vietnamese machine gun fire, he charged the fortification and while returning fire with his rifle, was mortally wounded by the hostile fusillade. First Lieutenant Burke's 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. 392 (February 4, 1969)
Home Town: Anita, Iowa

BURNETT, WILLIAM D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William D. Burnett, 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 Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Burnett distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 November 1965 as a driver of an armored personnel carrier. Specialist Burnett demonstrated dauntless courage when a hostile regiment launched a fierce attack on his unit at Ap Bau Bang. At the start of the battle, when the .50 caliber machinegun mounted on his carrier malfunctioned, he swiftly moved from the cover of the driver's seat to the top of the vehicle, quickly cleared the weapon, and used it on approaching insurgents, annihilating fourteen of them. During this action, the carrier took three direct hits from mortar fire, disabling it and wounding the vehicle commander. Assuming command of the situation, Specialist Burnett ordered the crew out of the vehicle, covered their withdrawal, then personally carried the wounded commander, and succeeded in reaching a protective cover moments before a mortar round landed directly on the vehicle. During the withdrawal, he also save the life of another wounded man by using his hand weapon to eliminate two insurgents who were about to kill his beleaguered companion. After administering first aid to the wounded soldier, Specialist Burnett again exposed himself to a heavy volume of gun fire, going from vehicle to vehicle in search of a medical aidman for his critically injured commander. Upon finding an aidman, he led him back and then picked up his commander and carried him across 250 meters of terrain through intense hostile gun fire to the helicopter evacuation pad. Through his bravery, determination, and profound concern for others, he saved the lives of many fellow soldiers and contributed to his unit's success in repulsing a well-armed and numerically overwhelming insurgent force. Specialist Burnett's extraordinary heroism while serving on the battlefield is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 21 (June 1, 1966)

*BURNS, DARRELL EDWARD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Darrell Edward Burns (535-52-7607), 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, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant Burns distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 June 1970 while a member of a rifle company deployed against hostile forces in the Kingdom of Cambodia. On that date Sergeant Burns' squad was deployed in a company-size perimeter when it began to receive small arms and rocket fire from an unknown-size enemy force. After the initial contact subsided, Sergeant Burns detected movement to the front. Disregarding his personal safety, he moved outside the perimeter in order to gain a satisfactory position from which to use fragmentation grenades on the suspected enemy. Sergeant Burns threw a grenade in the direction of the hostiles and the grenade hit a tree and bounced back toward the company perimeter. Realizing that the grenade would explode close to his comrades and the number of friendly casualties that could result, Sergeant Burns unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his safety, lunged in the direction of the grenade as other personnel scrambled for cover. Sergeant Burns sacrificed his life as he threw himself in the direction of the grenade and absorbed the total and lethal fragmentation effects of the grenade as it exploded. Sergeant Burns' 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.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 32 (August 3, 1972)
Home Town: Everett, Washington

BURROW, GEORGE D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George D. Burrow (0-84961), Major (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 Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Major Burrow distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 December 1967 while serving as pilot of an armed helicopter supporting an infantry battalion's ground operations near Tra Kieu. Although his craft had been damaged in an earlier mission, he immediately responded to a request to assist the unit. He began screening the terrain to the front of the battalion's advance, and soon detected a large enemy force. Without hesitation, he engaged the enemy with repeated low-level, low-speed rocket and machine gun strafing runs. Despite intense, concentrated fire directed at his ship, he continued to pound North Vietnamese Army positions until it was necessary for him to refuel his ship and re-supply it with ammunition. After re-supplying his helicopter, he returned to the battlefield and quickly detected several hostile troop concentrations in separate locations to the infantry's front. Braving a withering ground fire, he repeatedly attacked the enemy positions, killing numerous North Vietnamese soldiers and clearing the force's path of advance. As the operation continued, Major Burrow discovered an enemy squad deploying for an ambush and attacked it. He placed devastating rocket and machine gun fire on the ambush site and killed all the enemy soldiers with deadly fire. As he was about to depart the battlefield to rearm his aircraft, he saw an automatic weapons emplacement to the front of the infantry. He quickly landed behind the friendly force, secured ammunition for his guns, and returned to engage the hostile position. Again facing ravaging fire, he demolished the enemy emplacement with a heavy barrage. Throughout the day, he repeatedly risked his life to engage the numerically superior North Vietnamese Army forces in combat and accounted for forty-one hostile soldiers killed in action. Major Burrow'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. 930 (February 29, 1968)
Home Town: Converse, Texas

BUSTAMANTE, MANUEL C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Manuel C. Bustamante (RA25647161), Sergeant First 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 Detachment B-20, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Bustamante distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 March 1969 while serving as platoon leader with a mobile strike force company on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Ben Het Special Forces Camp. Encountering a hill protected with North Vietnamese fortifications, his unit initiated an assault but was pinned down a short distance in front of the primary bunker line. Sergeant Bustamante, crawling across open terrain in full view of the communists, succeeded in penetrating the enemy perimeter. Scrambling to the nearest bunker while throwing grenades, he destroyed the emplacement and killed its two occupants. Having provided a breach through which his men could follow, he proceeded to clear additional entrenchments along the perimeter. Later, after the eastern section was secured, he and his men were pinned down under fire from another bunker line. Heaving grenades and unleashing volleys from his rifle, he again assaulted the fortification single-handedly, killing the three enemy soldiers inside. Because of his superb leadership, the hill was eventually cleared of the enemy. Sergeant First Class Bustamante'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. 2139 (June 17, 1969)
Home Town: Broderick, California

*BUTTS, LONNIE R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lonnie R. Butts (RA14895814), Specialist Fifth 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Specialist Five Butts distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 May 1967 while serving as senior medical aidman during a search and destroy mission near Duc Pho. When the lead element of his unit became pinned down by machine gun fire, Specialist Butts executed a flanking movement on the hostile emplacement and silenced the two Viet Cong who were manning it. He continued forward, moving from one emplacement to another and drove the enemy back with hand grenades and machine gun fire. One insurgent threw a grenade between Specialist Butts and his platoon sergeant. Taking no heed of his own safety, he threw himself between the sergeant and the grenade, catching most of the shrapnel in his legs. Although he was seriously wounded, Specialist Butts went to the assistance of another casualty and treated his wounds. During the remainder of the firefight, he refused medical attention until all of the other wounded men were treated. Specialist Butts was mortally wounded as he move toward a helicopter for evacuation. Specialist Five Butts' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the Unites States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4149 (August 15, 1967)
Home Town: Oneonta, Alabama

*BYRD, GUY ALBERT
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Guy Albert Byrd (RA14615832), Sergeant First 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 C, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Platoon Sergeant Byrd distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 April 1967 while leading his unit in a search and destroy mission near Song Mao. As soon as Sergeant Byrd's Company was infiltrated by helicopter, it received intense hostile fire and was unable to advance against the strongly fortified North Vietnamese positions. After the landing of a reinforcing platoon and an aerial bombardment of the enemy positions, his company began to advance on line, meeting stubborn resistance from insurgent machine gunners. Sergeant Byrd led his platoon in an aggressive assault against the numerically superior North Vietnamese force, but his men were again pinned down by intense hostile fire. At this point, Sergeant crawled to within 20 meters of a fortified position that was protecting an enemy machine gun. When he was close enough to the emplacement, he pulled the pin on a hand grenade and raised up to throw it. He was immediately hit in the chest by machine gun fire. Sergeant Byrd was unable to throw the grenade, but realized that it explosion could kill several comrades near him. Sacrificing his own life to save his fellow soldiers, he fell on top of the grenade and absorbed the force of the explosion. Platoon Sergeant Byrd's 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. 2792 (June 10, 1967)
Home Town: Enterprise, Alabama