Distinguished Service Cross – H-J

HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to David Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), Major (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 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. On 7 February 1966, Major Hackworth's unit was assigned the mission of relieving elements of a friendly rifle company which had been pinned down for four hours. Upon arriving at the beleaguered unit s position, Major Hackworth moved forward, by himself, to conduct a reconnaissance of the area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he moved across an open field through small arms fire, crossed a bridge which was raked by intense hostile machine gun fire, and ran across another open field through heavy fire to the embattled company s position. Major Hackworth then crawled to within twenty meters of the insurgent positions in the face of heavy machine gun fire. Upon completion of his reconnaissance mission, he returned to his command post and again, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led the attacking force across the bullet swept fields to the insurgent positions. He then led a group through intense fire to a position only forty meters from the opposing force s battle positions. From this point, under fire for approximately six hours, Major Hackworth calmly and effectively maneuvered his units to close in on the entrenched and determined Viet Cong. Continuously, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he exposed himself to intense fire to personally inspire and direct the attack. As one of the attacking units began to falter, without hesitation, Major Hackworth left his position to rally the attackers and lead them into the Viet Cong positions. During the final phase of the attack, Major Hackworth again exposed himself to heavy fire in order to direct an air strike on the Viet Cong. Major Hackworth'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, Vietnam, General Orders No. 121 (1966)
Born: November 11, 1931 at Santa Monica, California
Home Town: Santa Monica, California
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Vietnam), 10@ Silver Stars, 8@ Purple Hearts

HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to David Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), 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, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period of 23 to 25 March 1969 as battalion commander while his unit was engaged with elements of two Viet Cong battalions. After one of his companies came under attack from a numerically superior hostile force, Colonel Hackworth landed his command and control helicopter amid heavy enemy fire to resupply the unit with ammunition and to evacuate casualties. Remaining with his forces on the ground, he led a patrol in pursuit of the withdrawing enemy and, after learning the enemy s withdrawal plan from a captured soldier, directed the insertion of other elements of his battalion into blocking positions. As the conflict developed into a large scale battle, he again took to the air and flew through intense antiaircraft fire to adjust artillery fire and direct the movement of his men. He repeatedly landed to coordinate with his ground commanders, lead assaults against hostile positions, and evacuate casualties. When a friendly scout element sustained several casualties and became pinned down near the communist emplacements, he disembarked from his helicopter to maneuver through the hostile fusillade and assist the wounded men to his aircraft. When he had insured that the injured were being evacuated, he adjusted supporting fire on the enemy fortifications until the enemy was soundly defeated and their weapons and supplied confiscated. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth 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. 2422 (1969)
Born: November 11, 1931 at Santa Monica, California
Home Town: Santa Monica, California
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Vietnam), 10@ Silver Stars, 8@ Purple Hearts

HAIG, ALEXANDER M., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Alexander M. Haig, Jr. (0-50790), Lieutenant Colonel (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 while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Haig distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 March and 1 April 1967 while serving as battalion commander during an attack by a numerically superior Viet Cong force near Ap Gu. When two of his companies were engaged by a large hostile force, Colonel Haig landed amid a hail of fire, personally took charge of the units, called for artillery and air fire support, and succeeded in soundly defeating the insurgent force. Before dawn the nest day, when a single mortar round fell near the perimeter, Colonel Haig recognized it as the registering round prior to a massive attack and immediately alerted his entire unit. Within five minutes a barrage of 400 rounds was fired by the Viet Cong, but it was ineffective because of the warning and preparations by Colonel Haig. As the barrage subsided, a force three times larger than his began a series of human wave assaults on the camp. Heedless of the danger to himself, Colonel Haig repeatedly braved intense hostile fire to survey the battlefield. His personal courage and determination, and his skillful employment of every defense and support tactic possible, inspired his men to fight with previously unimagined power. Although his force was outnumbered three to one, Colonel Haig succeeded in inflicting 592 casualties on the Viet Cong. Lieutenant Colonel Haig'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. 2318 (May 22, 1967)

*HAINES, JOHN LODA
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John Loda Haines (US54959324), 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, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Haines distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 March 1968 as medical aidman for an infantry platoon conducting a sweep and secure mission near Hoc Mon. As his unit moved into a dense wood line, it was subjected to intense small arms, automatic weapons, and anti-tank rocket fire from an enemy force of unknown size. Five members of his platoon were seriously wounded by the initial burst of savage hostile fire. Fearlessly exposing himself to the withering fusillade, Specialist Haines raced forward to assist his stricken comrades. With bullets striking all around him, he courageously moved from one casualty to another, administering first aid. Specialist Haines was hit while treating one of the soldiers, but disregarded his wound and continued his lifesaving mission. Observing his platoon sergeant severely wounded and lying in an open area raked by enemy machine gun fire, he rushed to the man and began attending him. Specialist Haines was instantly killed by the machine gun fire while applying the last bandage to his fallen comrade. His gallant and determined actions in close combat saved the lives of several fellow soldiers. Specialist Four Haines' 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. 1839 (May 22, 1967)
Home Town: Vandalia, Michigan

HALE, RICHARD M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard M. Hale (RA19825582), 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 (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Hale distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 November 1966 while serving as a squad leader with the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry during a search and destroy operation near Tay Ninh. As the battalion maneuvered into position, it suddenly received intense automatic weapons and mortar fire from an entrenched Viet Cong force. Sergeant Hale immediately ordered his armored personnel carrier into the center of the action. Once fire superiority had been gained, he dismounted his squad and aggressively led them in an assault on the hostile positions. When one of his men was hit by grenade fragments, just short of the Viet Cong lines, Sergeant Hale directed his squad to evacuate the wounded man. With complete disregard for his safety, while armed with only a bowie knife and a pistol, he charged the hostile emplacement alone. Dauntlessly running 30 meters through intense hostile fire, he leaped into the bunker and engaged two insurgents in fierce hand-to-hand combat. After killing both Viet Cong, Sergeant hale reorganized his squad and continued to search the area until he was shot in the chest by a sniper. Although painfully wounded and weak from loss of blood, he gallantly crawled to the hostile position and killed two more insurgents with his pistol. His unimpeachable valor and profound concern for his comrades inspired all those around him and helped to defeat a determined hostile force. Sergeant Hale'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. 181 (January 13, 1967)

HALES, JAMES P., III
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James P. Hales, III (0-5312419), 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, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Hales distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 April 1968 as an infantry company commander during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Xom Bao Long. His unit suddenly came under a barrage of rocket propelled grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire from well-fortified North Vietnamese positions. Captain hales immediately maneuvered his armored carrier toward the aggressors and sprayed them with machine gun fire, enabling his men to withdraw with the wounded to a more strategic location. Two enemy emplacements began sending a heavy volume of machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire at his vehicle. A grenade round penetrated the side of the carrier, immobilizing it and temporarily deafening him. Finding his machine gun inoperative, Captain Hales picked up five grenades and crawled under the devastating fire to one of the bunkers holding a four-man rocket team. Pitching two grenades into the enemy position he killed all four occupants. Crawling another ten meters toward the second emplacement, he threw his remaining three grenades which silenced the machine gun and killed two more communist soldiers. After destroying the two positions, he directed artillery and air strikes and succeeded in routing the enemy. Captain Hales' 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. 5691 (December 10, 1968)
Home Town: Fayetteville, North Carolina

*HALEY, PATRICK LAWRENCE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Patrick Lawrence Haley (0-5531115), Captain (Armor), [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 Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Captain Haley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 October 1966 while serving as pilot of an armed command helicopter during an aerial attack on Viet Cong forces escaping the Ngot Bay area. Completely disregarding intense hostile fire, Captain Haley flew for one hour at very low altitudes in an attempt to locate and fix hostile targets. He dauntlessly remained at the most critical points of combat, never permitting the enemy to pin down friendly ground elements. When a friendly squad received intense Viet Cong fire and refused to retreat because of a casualty lying in an exposed position, Captain Hale unhesitatingly flew between the opposing forces to divert the hostile barrage. Although his ammunition was expended, he persuaded the friendly element to withdraw, then landed and picked up the wounded man. His helicopter was severely damaged by enemy fire while on the ground, but he was able to fly the casualty 150 meters to a safe zone. His heroic actions were highly instrumental in killing 320 Viet Cong and the saving of many American lives. Captain Haley'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. 2282 (May 21, 1967)
Home Town: La Salle, Illinois

*HALL, BILLIE ALLEN (MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Billie Allen Hall (RA18621886), 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-102, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. On 9 March 1966, Special Forces Detachment A-102 at Camp Ashau was subjected to a mortar barrage and small arms fire. After a day of continuous enemy bombardment, Camp A Shau was attacked by two North Vietnamese Regiments. With the advantage of surprise, superior firepower and bad weather the enemy hurled wave after wave of troops at the weakening defenses on Camp A Shau. The vicious battle forced the evacuation of the camp, and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Sergeant Hall, a medic, had accompanied a company of one hundred and forty-three men to reinforce Camp A Shau. When the attack started, Sergeant Hall grabbed his weapon and aid kit and ran from his quarters. Seeing many wounded in the center of the camp he ran through the enemy fire to assist in dragging the wounded to safety and treating them. Throughout the bombardment, he ran from position to position treating the wounded. Seeing two wounded Americans lying on a road in the center of the camp in the midst of numerous mortar explosions, Sergeant Hall ran to their aid. With enemy mortar rounds bursting all around him, he reached the two men and dragged them into a ditch and gave them medical aid. A direct hit on this trench killed one of the wounded Americans, an interpreter and wounded two other Americans nearby. Although Sergeant Hall had both his legs blown off when this round exploded, he refused medical attention. Being the only qualified medic at that location, he realized his responsibility to the wounded. Only after these men were treated and moved did he allow himself to be carried to the dispensary. On reaching the dispensary, though in extreme pain and weak from great loss of blood, Sergeant Hall permitted only slight treatment of his severe wounds to stem the flow of blood so he might live longer to direct operations at the aid station. Through an interpreter, he directed indigenous medics in caring for the wounded. He continued this gallant task until his body could withstand no more the demands being placed upon it, and he lapsed into a coma and died. Sergeant Hall's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the cost of his own life, was a continuous inspiration to the entire garrison of Camp A Shau. His sacrifice was the spark needed to ignite the flame of desire in each man to repulse the relentless enemy as long as means were available. Sergeant Hall's unimpeachable valor in close combat 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. 18 (April 18, 1967)
Home Town: Sand Springs, Oklahoma

HALL, SEQUOYAH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sequoyah Hall, 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, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant Hall distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 April 1970 while serving as squad leader during an operation in Phuoc Long Province. As Sergeant Hall's squad moved through the dense jungle, they came under a heavy barrage of rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire from an undetermined sized enemy force. Although seriously wounded by the initial burst of fire, Sergeant hall began adjusting artillery fire upon the well-concealed foe and directed his men into defensive positions. As the hostile force attempted to assault the friendly elements locations, the sergeant met the brunt of the attack and repelled the assailants with devastating volleys of automatic weapon fire. After his ammunition was expended, Sergeant Hall painfully crawled forward and tossed fragmentation grenades at the enemy which blocked their avenue of assault and forced them to withdraw. Sergeant Hall'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. 5395 (December 28, 1970)

HAMILTON, GEORGE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George E. Hamilton (RA19842746), 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, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Private First Class Hamilton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 August 1966 while serving as a machine gunner on a search and destroy mission near Plei Me. When the lead element suddenly made contact with a large Viet Cong force, Private Hamilton's platoon quickly advanced to provide support. With complete disregard for his safety while receiving sniper fire, he deliberately exposed himself to the hostile fire and killed a sniper in a nearby tree. When the two platoons withdrew and set up a defensive perimeter, Private Hamilton voluntarily remained behind to provide covering fire. Later, when the insurgents attempted to overrun the small American force, he set up his machine gun in an exposed position to provide the most effective fire. His suppressive fire was primarily responsible for the defeat of three human wave assaults, the destruction of one Viet Cong machine gun, and two automatic weapon emplacements. Although wounded in the shoulder during these fierce attacks, Private Hamilton dauntlessly tossed hand grenades into the charging insurgents. He again exposed himself to the intense fire as he moved about the area throwing hostile grenades back on the Viet Cong positions. His exceptional gallantry ended only when an exploding grenade knocked him unconscious. Private First Class Hamilton'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. 6939 (December 19, 1966)

*HAMILTON, GILBERT LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Gilbert Lee Hamilton (RA26244416), 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 (North), FOB 1 (Phu Bai), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Hamilton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 January 1968 as Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese unit conducting a reconnaissance mission in enemy territory. The patrol had taken a defensive position on high ground while waiting for helicopter extraction from the area of operations. Sergeant Hamilton volunteered to lead a seven-man security team outside the unit's perimeter to search for signs of possible enemy activity around its position. While moving through heavy elephant grass, the patrol was savagely ambushed at close range by insurgents firing automatic weapons. Sergeant Hamilton was severely wounded by a burst of enemy bullets, but returned fierce fire killing at least one enemy soldier. He then quickly organized his trapped troops into a tight perimeter and directed their counterfire against the surrounding hostile elements. Although he was struck three more times by enemy bullets, he continued to direct the defense of his men. He made radio contact with helicopter gunships in the area and skillfully adjusted their supporting fires on the enemy positions to prevent the attackers from overrunning the small team. His gallant and determined actions in the heat of battle were responsible for saving his comrades from annihilation. Sergeant First Class Hamilton'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. 1468 (April 1, 1968)
Home Town: Denver, Colorado

HAMMER, MARTIN J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Martin J. Hammer (OF-101931), 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. On 6 May 1966, First Lieutenant Hammer was serving as 2d Platoon Leader, Company A, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), near the insurgent-held village of Than Binh when they became engaged with a force of North Vietnamese estimated to be of battalion size. As the company moved in on the insurgents, the 2d Platoon moved from its reserve position to block an avenue of escape around the company's right flank. Despite the increased volume of insurgent fire, Lieutenant Hammer led his platoon across more than 15o meters of sniper infested area to an effective blocking position against the insurgent's withdrawal. While moving from squad to squad, he was wounded in the wrist. Requiring help, Lieutenant Hammer braved the fire to direct a unit that had been sent up to help his beleaguered platoon and was wounded a second time. Later the insurgents launched a suicidal grenade attack on the 2d Platoon's left flank and Lieutenant Hammer single-handedly repelled the attack. Discovering that one of his men had been wounded, he again braved the insurgent's fire and dragged him to safety. While directing the 1st Platoon that was sent up to reinforce his line, he received a serious shrapnel wound in the chest but still refused evacuation in order to remain and direct his men during the remainder of the fight. Only after his platoon was in its new position and the wounded taken care of did he allow himself to be evacuated. First Lieutenant Hammer'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. 216 (September 8, 1966)

*HAMMERSLA, JAMES RUSSELL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Russell Hammersla (0-525509), First Lieutenant (Transportation 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 379th Transportation Company (Reefer), 7th Transportation Battalion (Truck), 48th Transportation Group (Motor Transport), United States Army Support Command. First Lieutenant Hammersla distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 December 1968 as commander of a convoy carrying supplies from Long Binh to Dau Tieng. The convoy was ambushed by an estimated battalion-sized force of North Vietnamese Army troops occupying positions from fifteen to a hundred and fifty meters from the road and covering a twelve hundred meter killing zone. As the trucks ahead began receiving fire, Lieutenant Hammersla's jeep was struck by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade. One of the trucks in front of him was then hit in the engine compartment disabling it in the middle of the road. Lieutenant Hammersla and the other occupants quickly dismounted from their crippled vehicle and began returning fire on the North Vietnamese. Realizing that other sections of the convoy would soon drive into the ambush, he courageously returned to his jeep through the intense hostile fire and radioed a warning. He was wounded by the communists' barrage, but managed to return to his defensive position where he continued to encourage his men and direct their fire until he was mortally wounded by the enemy fusillade. His radio message prevented other convoy vehicles from being ambushed and caused reinforcements to be immediately dispatched to the battle site. First Lieutenant Hammersla'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. 1423 (April 23, 1969)
Home Town: Reisterstown, Maryland

HAND, MICHAEL JOHN
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Michael John Hand, 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 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Private First Class Hand distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 and 10 June 1965. His 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. 23 (1966)
Born: December 8, 1941 at Bronx, New York

*HARDISON, ROBERT SMITH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Smith Hardison (RA12968434), 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, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Private First Class Hardison distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 March 1969 as a platoon medic during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Landing Zone Cider in Kontum Province. The men in the point element engaged several North Vietnamese Army soldiers. As the remainder of the platoon moved forward to assist them, ferocious B-40 rocket, mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire erupted from three sides. Seeing numerous casualties in the enemy killing zone, Private Hardison repeatedly braved the devastating fire to administer medical treatment and instruct others in caring for the injured. Rescuing the wounded from under the communist' fusillade, he brought them to his unit's hastily formed defensive perimeter. As the platoon was about to withdraw, he made a final check of the area where the point element had first made contact and spotted a wounded soldier lying exposed to fierce enemy fire. Racing to the casualty, he shielded the man with his own body and was administering lifesaving first aid when he was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. Private First Class Hardison'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. 2199 (June 23, 1969)
Home Town: Nashville, Tennessee

*HARDY, HERBERT FRANCIS, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Herbert Francis Hardy, Jr. (0-71092), Captain (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 Detachment A-334, 5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Hardy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 February 1964. As Commander of Special Forces Detachment A-334, Captain Hardy was directing the operations of a Vietnamese strike force platoon when the friendly unit became engaged in violent combat with Viet Cong forces. During the ensuing battle, in which the strike force personnel withdrew, Captain Hardy exposed himself to the rounds of mortar fire in an attempt to rally the platoon and organize a counter-attack. When this effort was unsuccessful, he then bravely led a remaining American advisor and a Vietnamese sergeant down a slope and launched a direct attack on the enemy. Despite the heavy volume of automatic and small arms fire directed at the small force, the swiftness of their actions dislodged the enemy from their well-entrenched positions and caused them to flee toward their mortar positions. Then, when the American advisor sustained a severe leg injury, Captain Hardy quickly provided covering fire, rushed to his aid, and succeeded in pulling him to a safe position. After administering first aid to his fellow soldier, he initiated the withdrawal of the small party toward their base camp. Throughout this extremely dangerous operation which required their going through Viet Cong infested territory and exposure to traps and ambushes, he periodically reconnoitered the route ahead of the party and, after a grueling ordeal lasting four and one-half hours, succeeded in bringing his small force to the safety of the patrol base. His dynamic leadership, coolness under fire, and deep concern for the safety of his men averted further casualties and served as an inspiration to all who served with him during this hazardous operation. Captain Hardy's valiant efforts and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (March 9, 1965)
Home Town: Great Pond, Maine

*HARPER, TONY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Tony Harper (263-74-6075), 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, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Harper distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 July 1969 while serving as a platoon leader during a reconnaissance mission near Trang Bang. His platoon suddenly came under heavy fire from a concealed enemy bunker. A firefight followed during which a machine gunner was seriously wounded in close proximity to the hostile fortification. Lieutenant Harper attempted to retrieve the wounded man, but was driven back by intense fire. He then organized a squad of volunteers to overtake the enemy position and rescue their comrade. After crawling several hundred meters, the squad launched an assault on the enemy's flanks. While the other squad members provided cover fire, Lieutenant Harper rushed the bunker, hurling grenades and firing his weapon on the run. Through his aggressive leadership and actions, the hostile emplacement and its occupants were eliminated and the body of the American soldier was recovered. Second Lieutenant Harper'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. 3873 (October 14, 1969)
Home Town: Jacksonville, Florida

*HARR, GERRY A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gerry A. Harr (OF-108634), 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, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Harr distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 April 1968 as a platoon leader during a reconnaissance-in-force operation near the Song Be River in Chon Thon Province. Upon entering a hostile base camp, his battalion came in contact with a large enemy force concealed in well fortified positions. Lieutenant Harr's platoon was part of the lead element and came under heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire. As assault was made on the Viet Cong, but it was halted by an intense enemy barrage. Moving far forward, Lieutenant Harr boldly exposed himself to a hail of bullets to fire an antitank weapon at a key bunker. Unable to destroy the strongly built fortification, he charged through a hail of fire and hurled a hand grenade into the bunker, and then crawled inside to insure its occupants were dead. Receiving fire from a previously undetected position, he assaulted it also, slaying one Viet Cong with rifle fire and one with a grenade. He then entered the emplacement, again making certain no resistance remained. His example inspired the men of his unit to unleash an assault which overran the enemy base camp. First Lieutenant Harr'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. 4276 (September 10, 1968)
Home Town: Corvallis, Oregon

HARRELL, ROHNIE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Rohnie Harrell (RA18744007), 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, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 505th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division. Sergeant Harrell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 April 1968 as a squad leader during a company sweep northwest of Hue. His squad, point element for his platoon, maneuvered against well-fortified enemy positions which had pinned down the rest of the company. Sergeant Harrell advanced through a hail of fire, entered the enemy trench system, and killed two North Vietnamese soldiers. Hurling grenades, he continued to expose himself to enemy fire as he moved down the trench to eliminate a North Vietnamese Army position inside a nearby house. He destroyed the emplacement and began to return to his platoon's position. As he did so he found four wounded comrades in the trench. He deployed three of them into a hasty defensive position and dragged the severely wounded fourth man to cover. He then returned to the other wounded, led them to a protected friendly position, and integrated them into the company's defenses. Upon returning to his platoon, Sergeant Harrell relayed timely information concerning the location of enemy positions to his officers, allowing them to better deploy their troops against the insurgents. Sergeant Harrell'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. 3823 (August 7, 1968)

HARRIS, JAMES A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James A. Harris (RA55700036), 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, 12th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Harris distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 February 1968 as platoon sergeant of an infantry unit during its assault on an enemy infested village. As the lead platoon, led by Sergeant Harris, entered the village, its advance was halted by intense enemy fire from a well-fortified trench and bunker system. Undaunted by the murderous fire, Sergeant Harris led a small patrol in an attempt to flank and destroy the enemy positions. As he advanced to within ten meters of an enemy machine gun position, he was detected and the enemy began placing heavy machine gun fire on his position, painfully wounding him. Sergeant Harris was forced to withdraw. He quickly reorganized his troops and led another assault on the enemy machine gun position. The withering enemy fire again halted the advance. Sergeant Harris was wounded a second time but refused to be evacuated. Disregarding the pain and loss of blood from his wounds, he obtained two hand grenades and crawled towards the enemy positions alone, leaving his men behind to provide covering fire. As he stood up and threw the grenades, he was wounded a third time. His accurate throw destroyed the enemy position and allowed his platoon to advance. Still refusing medical evacuation, Sergeant Harris continued the mission until it was completed. Staff Sergeant Harris' 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. 3882 (August 9, 1968)

*HARRIS, ROY GREEN, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Roy Green Harris, Jr. (RA14352191), 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 Second Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Platoon Sergeant Harris distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 September 1967 while serving as a platoon sergeant of an infantry platoon on a search and destroy mission near Phan Thiet. As his men left the helicopters upon infiltration, they were savagely attacked by a large Viet Cong force firing automatic weapons from well fortified positions around the landing zone. The intensity of the enemy barrage prevented his men from deploying in defensive positions quickly, but Sergeant Harris stood up in the hail of bullets and moved among his men directing their fire on the hostile positions. After gaining fire superiority, he moved to the front of his men and led the platoon in a fierce charge on the enemy fortifications, personally capturing one prisoner. Several hostile soldiers surprised him as he moved the prisoner toward his platoon leader, and he was wounded by the savage fire. He remained calm in the face of the attack and killed one to the insurgents while routing the rest with deadly fire. As he moved along a stream with the prisoner, he was seriously wounded by a Viet Cong sniper. Ignoring his own safety, he continued to direct the assault on the enemy and inspired his men to defeat the determined Viet Cong. He was mortally wounded while fearlessly leading his men in the face of overwhelming odds. Platoon Sergeant Harris' 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. 5670 (November 4, 1967)
Home Town: New York, New York

*HARRISON, PAUL JAMES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Paul James Harrison (RA19766351), 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, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Harrison distinguished himself on 21 May 1966 while serving as a rifleman during a combat mission. On this date, the mortar platoon of Specialist Four Harrison's company was scheduled to be the last element to be extracted from the operational area. As the last rifle platoon was extracted, the mortar platoon suddenly received intense hostile fire from an estimated Viet Cong company which began attacking in full force. Observing that the platoon's single mortar weapon was destroyed during the initial attack, Specialist Four Harrison immediately rushed through the intense hostile fire and began delivering suppressive fire onto the advancing Viet Cong. Inspired by his aggressiveness, Specialist Four Harrison's comrades held their ground as long as possible. When the ammunition supply became critically low and position after position succumbed to the overwhelming insurgent force, the remaining members of the mortar platoon were forced to withdraw. Recognizing that many of the withdrawing troops were hit by Viet Cong fire, Specialist Four Harrison decided to hold his ground alone and provided as much fire cover as possible for his comrades. With complete disregard his safety, Specialist Four Harrison advanced forward to a vantage point to draw the hostile fire away from his comrades and to more efficiently provide fire cover for the withdrawing survivors. When his ammunition was expended and the insurgent force was advancing toward his position, Specialist Four Harrison fearlessly jumped from his foxhole, charged the Viet Cong and engaged them in hand to hand combat. He continued to inflict casualties until he was finally overcome by the surmountable odds. Through his courage, he undoubtedly saved the remainder of his unit. Specialist Four Harrison'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. 6409 (November 18, 1966)
Home Town: Lakewood, California

HARVEY, THOMAS H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas H. Harvey (0-83266), 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 Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Major Harvey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 April 1967 while serving as platoon leader of a helicopter team flying a reconnaissance and support mission for ground operations near Duc Pho. Catching a North Vietnamese unit in the open, Major Harvey made a series of low-level passes firing his rockets and machine guns. Expending his rockets, he then hovered directly over the insurgents so his gunners could direct deadly fire upon them. His helicopter received heavy damage from ground fire, but he continued the attack until his aircraft ran low of fuel. After returning to his base to change aircraft Major Harvey flew back to the battle area. Again locating Viet Cong in the open, he made a treetop-level rocket pass into the face of withering fire. His rockets failed to fire so he again hovered over the hostile forces while his door gunners inflicted heavy casualties. Once more returning to base after his helicopter was damaged and a crewmember wounded, he again changed aircraft and flew back to support the infantrymen. His courageous actions were instrumental in bringing heavy casualties on the enemy and successfully completing the mission. Major Harvey'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. 4487 (September 2, 1967)

HASZARD, SIDNEY S.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sidney S. Haszard (0-60457), Lieutenant Colonel (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, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Haszard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 and 20 March 1967 while serving as commanding officer of an Armored Cavalry unit during a massive Viet Cong attack on a fire support base six kilometers from the base camp at Ap Bau Bang. When he learned of the hostile attack, Colonel Haszard decided that he could best supervise defensive actions from the battlefield itself and started toward the conflict with medics in two armored cavalry assault vehicles. The vehicles were ambushed on the highway soon after they left their base camp. Colonel Haszard immediately manned a machine gun on his vehicle and ordered his driver to proceed as fast as possible. His effective return fire prevented the insurgents from doing any damage to the vehicles and enabled the small command force to continue toward the battle at high speed. As he entered the perimeter of the friendly force, he found the area infested with Viet Cong who were assaulting the unit. Again manning a machine gun, Colonel Haszard directed the two vehicles into the midst of the battle. Two antitank rounds hit his vehicle, and wounded him. He remained undaunted, steadily firing his machine gun while the other vehicle hooked up tow cables and pulled the disabled carrier into the perimeter. He then went from one armored vehicle to another through the storm of hostile fire ravaging the area to encourage his outnumbered troops and to direct their fire at the enemy. His fearlessness and unshakable calm were a source of inspiration for his men as they seized control and repulsed the Viet Cong after six hours of battle. Lieutenant Colonel Haszard'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. 4324 (August 25, 1967)

HATTERSLEY, ROGER K.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Roger K. Hattersley (RA16837989), 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, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Hattersley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 December 1966 while serving as machine gunner during a search and destroy mission near Bong Son. While advancing, Private Hattersley's platoon received intense fire from hostile camouflaged positions 40 meters to its front. He immediately dropped to the ground and poured a high rate of fire into the Viet Cong emplacements to protect his wounded comrades who were struggling to reach cover. Although enemy fire constantly raked the ground around him, he held his position until ordered back by his commander. When his ammunition ran out, he raced to the side of a casualty lying in the open, seized his weapon, and provided his own covering fire while helping the man to withdraw. With replenished ammunition, he resumed his devastating attack on the insurgents. Realizing that his trapped unit would continue to suffer severe casualties unless something was done, Private Hattersley, of his own accord, jumped to his feet firing his weapon from the hip, and fearlessly charged the Viet Cong emplacement. He was wounded halfway to the bunker, but indomitably continued his assault on the hostile stronghold and disappeared into a hedgerow. His attack silenced the main enemy firing position and enabled his unit to overcome the insurgents. Private Hattersley was found wounded a second time and lying unconscious next to a Viet Cong bunker where a dead insurgent was inside. Private First Class Hattersley'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. 2319 (May 22, 1967)

HAUPT, EARL C., III
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Earl C. Haupt, III (US52653967), 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 Battery B, 2d Battalion, 77th Artillery, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Private First Class Haupt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 March 1967 while serving as a member of an artillery battery during a massive Viet Cong attack near Suoi Tre. The insurgents had quickly overrun the camp's security perimeter, and the open ground around the battery was being swept by intense automatic weapons and small arms fire. Private Haupt was wounded in the neck and left eye early in the attack, but tied a handkerchief over the eye and continued to assist in firing the howitzer. When a nearby howitzer was in danger of being overrun and was losing gunners because of wounds, he moved to the position until crews could be reorganized. He spotted an enemy recoilless rifle that was inflicting damage on the camp, grabbing a grenade launcher, he advanced and destroyed the hostile crew. Private Haupt then returned to the howitzer until a direct hit disabled the weapon. Hearing cries for ammunition from men who were protecting the artillery, he made repeated trips to the ammunition storage area. He was hit in the thigh while returning to the perimeter for the fourth time. He stopped only long enough to have a pressure bandage applied and continued to lend assistance where crews were shorthanded. Only after he was sure that the Viet Cong had been routed and that the battery was secure did he allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. Private First Class Haupt'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. 4154 (August 15, 1967)
Home Town: Cincinnati, Ohio

HAY, JOHN H., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John H. Hay, Jr. (0-25290), Major General, 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 Infantry Division. Major General Hay distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 April 1967 while repulsing a heavy enemy assault on units of his command. An estimated reinforced regiment of Viet Cong launched an intensive mortar attack on the night defensive position of elements of two battalions at Landing Zone George. Several hundred mortar rounds savagely pounded the friendly position. Upon receiving word of the action, General Hay alerted his helicopter crew, briefed them, and flew to the scene. As he arrived, the Viet Cong were pressing a fierce ground attack. He immediately called for the support of additional flareships, forward air controllers, and light fire teams. Ignoring intensive automatic weapons and machine gun fire directed at his aircraft, General Hay instructed his pilot to make extremely low passes while he marked insurgent weapons positions and troop concentrations with smoke. Incoming artillery rounds, explosions on the ground, and relentless hostile fire made low passes over the battle site extremely hazardous. With complete disregard for his safety, General Hay continued his flights over the area to observe all movements of the hostile force and adjust friendly fires accordingly. As a result of his daring actions, the Viet Cong advance was halted and the friendly forces were able to counterattack and reestablish their perimeter. The insurgents attempted two more assaults on the perimeter, and again General Hay directed all friendly fires from the air. As ground fog cleared, he called in tactical air strikes which inflicted severe casualties on the Viet Cong force and caused the insurgents to break contact and flee into the jungle. General Hay then ordered his pilot to fly low over the retreating hostile force, and he directed the interdiction of the Viet Cong escape routes. His aggressive pursuit of the enemy, while continually subjected to concentrated machine gun and small arms fire, was responsible for causing further heavy casualties to the Viet Cong. His inspiring leadership was a deciding factor in the overwhelming rout of a main force Viet Cong regiment, and the enemy unit was rendered ineffective for other aggression. Major General Hay'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. 996 (March 5, 1968)

HAYDEN, PHILIP P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Philip P. Hayden (0-5327067), 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, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. First Lieutenant Hayden distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 February 1967 while serving as rifle platoon leader during a surprise attack by a Viet Cong force near Phuoc Vinh. The insurgents opened fire with machine guns, rifles and grenades. The hostile attack was so sudden that four men were wounded forty meters forward of the friendly perimeter. Lieutenant Hayden unflinchingly ran through the hostile barrage to his left flank machine gun position which was receiving the heaviest attack. He immediately reinforced the position with his own fire and directed his gunners' fire, enabling two of the men outside the perimeter to crawl into the camp. Completely disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Hayden ordered his men to maintain maximum fire and crawled out to the wounded men. Despite the hail of fire flying over him from two direction, he managed to et one man back to the safety of the camp. When he returned for the second man, however, a group of insurgents focused their fire on him and seriously wounded him. Assuming that they had killed him, five insurgents were moving closer to the friendly fore when Lieutenant Hayden wounded or killed all of them. Two of his men then crawled from the perimeter to help him. He told them to help the other casualty back toward their perimeter, covered their withdrawal with intense fire, then returned to safety himself. First Lieutenant Hayden'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. 2388 (May 25, 1967)

*HAYNES, FREDDIE NEIL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Freddie Neil Haynes (428-98-8920), 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 57th Aviation Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Specialist Fourth Class Haynes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 November 1969 while serving as doorgunner on a transport helicopter supporting the 5th Special Forces. While at the encampment at Dak Pek, the crews of four helicopters came under intense enemy mortar attack. When the initial incoming round wounded four pilots, Specialist Haynes immediately went to their assistance and helped them to seek shelter in a slight depression in the ground. As the shells continued to pound the area, Specialist Haynes ran into the open to prepare two aircraft for take-off. One of the helicopters received a direct mortar hit, and although wounded by shrapnel, Specialist Haynes approached the burning ship and extracted the injured pilot. Minutes later as he was helping the wounded pilot aboard a second craft, Specialist Haynes was fatally wounded. Specialist Fourth Class Haynes 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. 381 (February 11, 1970)
Home Town: Vicksburg, Mississippi

HAYNIE, HARRIS R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Harris R. Haynie (US54375159), 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, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Haynie distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 May 1967 while serving as a combat medic of an infantry platoon on a reconnaissance mission near Duc Pho. While moving through thick jungle toward Viet Cong positions spotted earlier from the air, the lead elements of his platoon were pinned down by heavy automatic weapons, mortar and machine gun fire from a numerically superior hostile force. Seeing two of the point men wounded, Specialist Haynie ran through withering fire from his position at the rear of the column to treat them. Seriously wounded by grenade fragments, he refused medical treatment and carried the casualties to safety. Two squads of reinforcements managed to land inside the perimeter, but one man was hit and fell into the open landing zone. Disregarding his own safety, Specialist Haynie dashed across the bullet-swept clearing and pulled the man to safety. A short time later an ammunition re-supply helicopter was shot down in flames outside the perimeter, trapping the crew inside. Once again he braved withering fire and a possible explosion to run to the craft and pull the men from the wreckage. Throughout the three-hour battle, he exposed himself continually to hostile fire, treating the wounded and boosting the morale of his comrades. Specialist Four Haynie'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. 5070 (October 4, 1967)

*HAYS, JOHN HULSEY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John Hulsey Hays (OF-104780), Captain (Armor), 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 B, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Captain Hays distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 November 1968 while serving as the commander of an armored cavalry troop near An Loc. As Captain Hays was leading two platoons of his unit and a light tank section on a sweep through an area of dense rubber trees, a North Vietnamese Army force unleashed an intense barrage of small arms, automatic weapons and antitank rocket fire. He immediately led a charge toward the attackers, pushing them into another section of the rubber trees. The remaining enemy then joined with a still larger North Vietnamese Army element and began a determined defense. During the course of the fierce engagement, Captain Hays manned a machine gun and directed a tremendous volume of suppressive fire, while also coordinating his force through the use of hand and arm signals which left him dangerously exposed. Suddenly his vehicle received a direct hit from an antitank rocket, knocking him to the ground. Although dazed, he ignored his injuries and, remounting the track, continued to fire the machine gun. When a group of North Vietnamese soldiers made a direct assault on his position, he killed two of them and scattered the rest. A few moments later his vehicle received another direct hit from an antitank rocket mortally wounding him. Captain Hays' 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. 5896 (December 30, 1968)
Home Town: Winter Haven, Florida

HAZEL, RICHARD L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard L. Hazel (US55866158), 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, 22d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Hazel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 March 1967 while serving as a fire direction computer during an assault by a Viet Cong regiment in Tay Ninh Province. During the early morning hours, the hostile regiment launched a massive infantry, mortar, and rocket assault on the entire friendly defense perimeter. The spearhead of the assault was directed at the infantry positions in front of the bunker occupied by Specialist Hazel. When he saw that friendly mortar emplacements had been destroyed and defensive positions in his sector were being overrun, he left the security of his bunker while receiving intense enemy fire to place grenade fire on the assaulting waves of insurgents. At one point he silenced an enemy recoilless rifle position that had destroyed numerous bunkers and was hitting at large areas inside his unit's perimeter. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved throughout the area of enemy penetration while aiding the wounded and moving them for treatment and evacuation. When other sectors were overrun by repeated Viet Cong assaults, Specialist Hazel, already exhausted from two hours of heated battle, led an assault with men from assorted units in a vicious fight to reclaim the overrun positions. Specialist Hazel and the others managed to hold the reclaimed areas, until reinforcements arrived four hours later, by fighting insurgents outside and inside the perimeter. Specialist Four Hazel'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. 3147 (June 25, 1967)
Home Town: Otter Lake, Michigan

HAZELIP, CHARLES R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles R. Hazelip (RA15530898), 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, 12st Battalion, 69th Armor, 4th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Hazelip distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 May 1967 while serving as Platoon Sergeant of an armor platoon on a cordon and search mission at An Qui. Upon entering the village, Sergeant Hazelip's unit came under heavy attack from a well-entrenched North Vietnamese battalion. During the decisive first minutes of the battle, he exposed himself to the withering fire to direct the fire of his tanks on the enemy positions. When the platoon leader's radio was damaged, Sergeant Hazelip took command of the entire platoon and laid down a heavy barrage of fire to enable the infantrymen to evacuate their wounded. He positioned the combined team for an assault and destroyed many enemy bunkers with his tank and grenades. While organizing a second assault, Sergeant Hazelip exposed himself to a direct hostile fire to aid a wounded comrade. Then, with little ammunition left, he valiantly led a second attack which overwhelmed the enemy and defeated them. His dauntless courage and quick reactions in the early fighting prevented the enemy from seizing control of the situation. Staff Sergeant Hazelip'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. 4456 (September 1, 1967)

HEALEY, PAUL V.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Paul V. Healey (RA11472068), 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 B, 716th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Group, 18th Military Police Brigade. Private First Class Healey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 while serving with a military police reaction force during a combined Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army offensive against Saigon. The enemy had launched concerted attacks on installations throughout the city, and his unit was called to dislodge a Viet Cong suicide squad which had taken control of the American Embassy compound. Heedless of enemy fire directed at him, Private Healey rammed the main gate of the Embassy with a jeep in an attempt to gain entrance to the compound. When the gate failed to open, he shot the lock off with a pistol and fearlessly led a charge into the bullet-swept grounds. Braving a savage hail of automatic weapons fire and exploding grenades, Private Healey moved from position to position, killing eight insurgents with rifle fire and grenades as he advanced. He then moved to the rear of the compound to rescue an embassy officer trapped on the second floor of a house occupied on the ground floor by Viet Cong. Fully exposed to withering hostile fire, he raced across the open lawn and hurled a riot gas grenade into the building. The insurgents continued to resist, and he fearlessly approached the building a second time through intense fire and tossed weapons and ammunition up to the unarmed officer. Assured that the man had a means of defending himself, Private Healey withdrew to cover and placed fierce fire on the Viet Cong in the building until they were annihilated. His dauntless and aggressive efforts in close combat saved the life of the fellow American and were instrumental in the successful defense of the United States Embassy. Private First Class Healey'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. 1173 (March 18, 1968)

HEAPS, GEORGE H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George H. Heaps (RA13529784), 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-302, Company A, 5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Heaps distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 2 November 1966 to 5 November 1966 while serving as Special Forces commander of a Vietnamese force during a search and destroy mission in Tay Ninh Province. After infiltration, Sergeant Heaps led his force in a search for Viet Cong units. He engaged small hostile forces, routed the insurgents from their fortifications, and advanced only to encounter increasing numbers of the enemy. Ignoring the intense hostile fire, he moved to an exposed position on high ground and established radio contact with supporting aircraft to guide air strikes on the Viet Cong. Sergeant Heaps quickly followed up with an assault on the enemy positions, inflicted severe damage, and then withdrew and set up a helicopter landing zone to evacuate casualties. The next day, while his unit was distributing ammunition it had received, a Viet Cong regiment attacked the area. Against overwhelmingly superior numbers, he kept his force together and held off the insurgents throughout the day and night. The next morning, during a human wave attack, Sergeant Heaps and another American were severely wounded and left for dead as his men retreated under the hostile onslaught. When he revived, he led a small band of survivors out of the area to an extraction zone, set fire to dry brush to attract helicopters, and was successfully evacuated. Sergeant First Class Heap'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. 2694 (June 6, 1967)

*HELLENBRAND, DAVID PETER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to David Peter Hellenbrand (US56459836), 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, 18th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Hellenbrand distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 December 1968 as point man for his company during a reconnaissance-in-force mission southeast of Phouc Vinh. While breaking a trail through the thick jungle, Specialist Hellenbrand spotted three North Vietnamese soldiers in a bunker who were preparing to ambush his unit. He immediately shouted a warning to the other men and assaulted the entrenched communists, firing his rifle as he advanced. The withering enemy fire mortally wounded him, but he managed to crawl to an opening in the bunker and threw a grenade inside, killing the three hostile soldiers and destroying the fortification. Because of his quickness and courage, he saved many of his comrades from injury or death. Specialist Four Hellenbrand'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. 1147 (April 3, 1969)
Home Town: Janesville, Wisconsin

HELMICK, ROBERT F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert F. Helmick (OF-104112), 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 Company D, 16th Armor, 173d Airborne Brigade. Captain Helmick distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 March 1968 while engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army/Viet Cong force which had captured the northern half of the city of Tuy Hoa. When one of his armored personnel carriers was hit by an enemy rocket during an attack on the entrenched communists, Captain Helmick moved his vehicle over to the disabled track to prevent it from being overrun until both carrier and crew were evacuated. Although weak from loss of blood because of wounds received in the morning, he continued to spearhead his company's efforts and late in the afternoon the enemy was trapped on all sides. Finding that his fire was having no effect against one fortification on the final assault, he jumped from his track with an automatic rifle and killed the occupants of the bunker. Two armored personnel carriers on his right flank received direct hits from hostile rockets and Captain Helmick was again wounded. With complete disregard for his safety, he brought heavy fire against the communists while his stricken comrades were evacuated and exposed himself to the murderous fusillade until the enemy was defeated. Captain Helmick'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. 1196 (April 7, 1969)
Home Town: Vermillion, South Dakota

HELVEY, ROBERT L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert L. Helvey (0-95281), 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, 12th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Captain Helvey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 January 1968 while serving as a company commander during a search and destroy mission near Landing Zone Ross in the Que Son Valley. His company was attacked from well-concealed and emplaced positions by an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion firing machine guns and mortars. One platoon was cut off from the rest of the unit. Captain Helvey sent a call for reinforcements to a sister company and an armored cavalry troop. Then, with complete disregard for his safety, he ran to an advantageous but completely exposed position to direct artillery, aerial rockets and helicopter gunship fire into the massing North Vietnamese. When the armored personnel carriers and tanks arrived he directed an assault which enabled his isolated platoon to rejoin the rest of the unit. The sister company fought through the enemy lines and the three units formed a defensive perimeter. As the North Vietnamese were reinforced and increased their supporting heavy weapons fires, the armored troop's commander was mortally wounded, and vital communications equipment was destroyed. Captain Helvey personally led several counterattacks on the surrounding enemy searching for weaknesses in their envelopment. Determining that a breakout was imperative, he again exposed himself to the intense fire to coordinate the maneuver with all elements. In the breakout the other company commander became a casualty, and Captain Helvey exposed himself to increasingly heavy fire to direct that unit's movement. As he continued the attempted escape, he led his men through an enemy trench line, fighting off the North Vietnamese at ranges as close as three feet. He was painfully wounded in the leg during this action, but he refused medical treatment for himself to successfully complete his units' escape, leading them to the comparative safety of Landing Zone Ross. Captain Helvey'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. 5219 (November 10, 1968)

HENDERSON, DONALD L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald L. Henderson (RA14519029), 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, 39th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Henderson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 March 1968 while on a seventeen-man night ambush patrol in Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam. His small unit was suddenly subjected to a heavy automatic weapons and rocket attack from three sides. Crawling from man to man, Sergeant Henderson discovered that three men, including his platoon leader, had been killed and six others were too seriously wounded to return fire. He skillfully organized the remainder of the group and directed counterfire on the enemy, killing at least four of the attackers. After bringing the wounded within the perimeter he had established, he assigned one man to care for them while he distributed ammunition and offered encouragement to his beleaguered force. As he exposed himself to the Viet Cong weapons to better adjust supporting artillery fire, Sergeant Henderson received gunshot wounds in his left leg and right foot. Refusing to be placed with the other casualties, he directed gunship attacks and artillery strikes on the enemy. He then secured a landing zone and directed the helicopter evacuation of the wounded. Despite the pain of his injuries, he remained with the rest of his men and successfully led them to safety. Staff Sergeant Henderson'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. 4341 (September 12, 1968)

HENDRICK, RICHARD A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard A. Hendrick, 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 (South), Task Force 1, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant Hendrick distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 April 1971 while serving as the team leader of a small reconnaissance patrol deployed deep within enemy controlled territory. After engaging a hostile force, Sergeant Hendrick deployed his men into a defensive perimeter. Returning to the point of initial contact, he retrieved two wounded allied soldiers and eliminated several enemy soldiers during the rescue mission. As the superior-size force launched an attack, Sergeant Hendrick exposed himself to the hostile fusillade in order to place accurate suppressive fire upon the attackers, repelling their advance. During the second attack, he was wounded by an enemy hand grenade. Ignoring his own wounds, Sergeant Hendrick continued to put devastating fire upon the foe. Summoning air support, he directed their fire upon the belligerent force. Then, as evacuation helicopters arrived, Sergeant Hendrick assisted two wounded soldiers in hooking up to extraction ropes from the hovering aircraft while under constant enemy fire. Sergeant Hendrick'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. 2264-238 (June 9, 1971)

*HENNESSY, DANIEL A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Daniel A. Hennessy (0-5326579), 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 (Airborne), 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant Hennessy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 December 1966 while serving as a platoon leader with elements of the 8th Cavalry n a search and destroy mission in Quan Hoai An Province. When his platoon suddenly received intense hostile fire from a nearby village, Lieutenant Hennessy dauntlessly led an assault on the Viet Cong positions. Maneuvering through a hail of bullets, hem moved to the head of the platoon and was the first man to enter the hamlet. Unmindful of his vulnerable position, Lieutenant Hennessy fearlessly engaged the enemy with his rifle and hand grenades. He then called for artillery strikes within ten meters of his own position, which allowed his platoon to reach cover at the edge of a rice paddy. As he shouted orders and pointed out hostile emplacements, Lieutenant Hennessy was critically wounded by Viet Cong fire. Realizing that his wounds were fatal, he courageously continued to direct his men, until finally turning over command to his platoon sergeant with his last words. Demonstrating unimpeachable valor and profound concern for the men under his command, he inspired them to overwhelm and defeat the entrenched hostile force. First Lieutenant Hennessy'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. 1658 (April 13, 1967)
Home Town: Newtown, Pennsylvania

HENRY, JEFFERY J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jeffery J. Henry (US55826450), 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 B, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. On 24 February 1966, Private First Class Henry was serving as scout observer for an armored personnel carrier. At 0300 hours, the brigade perimeter at Tan Binh, Republic of Vietnam, was attacked by three Viet Cong battalions heavily armed with mortars, anti-tank weapons, and small arms. When the insurgents maneuvered to encircle an infantry patrol some distance to the front of the perimeter, Private Henry's armored personnel carrier and one tank immediately went to the rescue. Three rounds of recoilless rifle fire disabled his vehicle, wounding the armored personnel carrier commander and driver, thereby halting the progress of the vehicle. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Private Henry removed the machine gun from the pedestal mount of the armored personnel carrier and engaged the hostile recoilless rifle crew from an exposed position. Despite intense small arms and hand grenade fire, Private Henry continued to engage the hostile forces placing deadly and accurate suppressive fire on the insurgents until he was ordered to evacuate the vehicle. Private Henry is credited with saving the life of the wounded tank commander by pulling him to the ground when he heard a recoilless rifle crew preparing to fire their weapons. Because of his instantaneous action, both he and the commander were only slightly wounded even though the recoilless rifle struck four feet from them. Private First Class Henry'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. 181 (August 2, 1966)

HEPP, FERDINAND
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ferdinand Hepp (0-5326580), 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 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant Hepp distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 October 1966 while serving as platoon leader during a search and destroy mission near Bong Son. As his unit approached a likely ambush location, Lieutenant Hepp radioed for artillery strikes in the area, then moved forward with ten men to investigate some abandoned bunkers. After advancing 50 meters, the element was hit by intense fire from a reinforced Viet Cong company. Lieutenant Hepp tried to link up with the rest of his platoon, but the insurgents had closed behind him and had the small group surrounded. Without a radio, he led his men into the empty bunkers he had just checked and placed himself at the best point to control his men in defending their position until reinforcements arrived. When ammunition ran low, one of his men crawled out to retrieve some rifle ammunition and an anti-tank weapon. As he crawled back into the foxhole with them, however, an enemy shell exploded the weapon, killing the soldier and wounding Lieutenant Hepp. Regaining consciousness an hour later, he found himself nearly deaf, and only one man in his element remained unwounded. During the night, insurgents tried to creep into his position. Lieutenant Hepp calmly killed five of them at nearly point blank range. After directing the defenses of his nearly hopeless position against an overwhelming hostile force for over ten hours, Lieutenant Hepp received reinforcements and dauntlessly led his men through two more hours of fighting before the Viet Cong were driven off. First Lieutenant Hepp'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. 2324 (May 23, 1967)

HERING, GREGORY D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gregory D. Hering (0-5339014), 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 E, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Hering distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 June 1968 in Din Tuong Province. His platoon was the lead element of a company which was going to the aid of a sister company pinned down in an open rice paddy by a Viet Cong battalion occupying deeply entrenched bunkers. Suddenly his unit came under heavy fire from the flank. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Hering charged into the enemy with his men and eliminated three communist positions. For the next eight hours, he repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile barrage as he redistributed ammunition, directed return fire and moved from man to man giving advice and encouragement. During the battle he also made nine trips across two hundred and fifty meters of open rice paddy to bring water to the wounded and those who were suffering from heat exhaustion. Another time he left a protected location to run a hundred meters to a wounded soldier who lay trapped under the enemy fusillade. While Viet Cong machine gun fire poured in on the position, he applied first aid to stop the man's bleeding, and then moved him to the protection of a dike. First Lieutenant Hering'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. 4625 (October 4, 1968)

HERRERA, FERNANDO Q.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Fernando Q. Herrera (US54721540), 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. Specialist Four Herrera distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 December 1968 as a radio telephone operator. As Specialist Herrera's troop moved to assist an infantry unit, it came under intense automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from well-concealed enemy positions. Unable to communicate with several disabled vehicles, he left his armored personnel carrier and braved a hail of bullets to relay orders from the commander. Seeing one of the tracks become mired on a rice paddy dike, Specialist Herrera ran sixty meters through withering hostile fire to help free the vehicle. After going to the carriers on his right flank to insure that they had sufficient smoke markers to call in air strikes, he then neutralized the enemy rocket-propelled grenade positions with a barrage of machine gun fire, and allowed his unit to continue its advance. When the platoon's mortar track received a direct hit, he brought an injured comrade to the protection of a bomb crater and then went to the medic vehicle to get bandages which he applied to the man's wounds. Although wounded by shrapnel, Specialist Herrera continued to engage the communists with heavy fire and ran sixty meters to another disabled vehicle, successfully maneuvering it back to safety. Moments later when a tank was hit, he carried a machine gun to a position from which he provided covering fire for the evacuation of the wounded. Specialist Four Herrera'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. 1165 (April 4, 1969)

HETZLER, WALTER G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Walter G. Hetzler, 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 (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Hetzler distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 12 to 15 April 1970 while leading an allied reaction element in an effort to recapture a strategically located hill within the boundaries of Dak Pek Special Forces Camp. Shortly after an aggressive enemy assault overtook the vital hilltop, Sergeant Hetzler and his platoon were inserted by helicopter into the area to recapture the hill. During the following four-day period, he personally led five aggressive assaults up the fire-swept incline. Although greatly hampered in his advance by a maze of barbed wire and intense enemy fire, the sergeant continued to probe toward the enemy positions in an untiring effort to overrun the enemy. Throughout the attack, he continuously moved his wounded comrades to covered positions while simultaneously maneuvering his men into more effective assault positions. Although wounded on two occasions, Sergeant Hetzler refused to be medically evacuated and continued his determined leadership. On the fifth allied attempt to break the enemy's defenses, the sergeant successfully led his men to the enemy fighting positions and personally eliminated ten bunkers in vicious close range fighting. Stunned by the intensity of Sergeant Hetzler's attack, the enemy broke contact and fled the hill to the surrounding jungle area. Then, refusing to abandon the hill, Sergeant Hetzler remained with his men to resist the ensuing enemy counterattacks. Ignoring the fusillade of enemy fire, the sergeant moved to a destroyed allied mortar bunker and carried critically needed ammunition to nearby mortar positions. Sergeant Hetzler's determined actions were directly responsible for the successful overrunning of the enemy force and the securing of the strategically located hill. Sergeant First Class Hetzler'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. 4997 (November 4, 1970)

HEWITT, MELVIN R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Melvin R. Hewitt (ER56211327), First 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, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. First Sergeant Hewitt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 May 1968. His company's camp was assaulted by a regiment-size North Vietnamese Army force supported by rockets, mortars and artillery, Immediately taking command of a recoilless rifle position, Sergeant Hewitt directed devastating fire which severely damaged the enemy emplacements. The aggressors countered with a savage rocket attack on his position and the gun pit took a direct hit, seriously wounding all the team members. Although injured, he continued to load and fire the weapon by himself until it became inoperable. He then led a small force against the main enemy assault element, deploying his men inside a sump and directing rifle fire and grenades at the onrushing attackers. Suddenly, a North Vietnamese soldier charged the emplacement and hurled a grenade amid him and his troops. With total disregard for his own life, Sergeant Hewitt rolled over and smothered the blast with his legs to protect his comrades. Despite excruciating pain, he insisted on staying in his position until the last enemy attack was driven off. First Sergeant Hewitt'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. 21 (January 2, 1969)

HIGHTOWER, THOMAS K.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas K. Hightower (0-89905), 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, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Captain Hightower distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 February 1967 whiles serving as a company commander with elements of the 12th Cavalry during a battle with an entrenched enemy force at An Qui. After being called upon to link up with a besieged friendly platoon, he ordered his company on a rapid march to the point of contact. Employing smoke to screen his movement, Captain Hightower personally led a rescue team across the bullet-swept rice paddy to the endangered soldiers. Calmly encouraging those who were able to make their way to safety, he supervised the evacuation of the critical casualties and dead. The, hoping to relieve another encircled element, Captain Hightower dauntlessly led two platoons under cover of darkness against the enemy positions. As the force advanced along a trenchline, it suddenly received intense hostile machine gun fire, which killed one man an wounded seven others. Contemptuous of the extreme dangers, Captain Hightower rallied his men and charged forward in an assault that silenced the insurgent emplacement. Crawling on to within a meter of another enemy position, he fearlessly dropped two grenades into the trench and killed three Viet Cong. Inspired by his courageous actions, the two platoons swept through the hostile lines and captured many insurgent weapons and valuable equipment. Captain Hightower'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. 2693 (June 6, 1967)

HILL, JAMES H., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James H. Hill, Jr. (RA13751576), 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, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade Task Force, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Hill distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 May 1967 while serving as squad leader of an infantry company on a search and destroy mission near Duc Pho. Sergeant Hill's platoon was working with engineers clearing and destroying bunkers when they came under intense sniper fire from a bunker complex built into a nearby hill. Reacting immediately, he charged through unwavering fire across forty meters of open terrain to the closest bunker. He jumped on top of the bunker and threw a grenade through the firing port killing the insurgents inside. With firing concentrated on him from all directions, he dashed to the next bunker and climbed atop it. Seriously wounded by the deadly fire, he dropped a grenade inside and moved to the next bunker. Ignoring his injury, he again exposed himself to the Viet Cong snipers as he jumped on top of the third bunker and destroyed it with another grenade. Only after he was sure that the enemy was defeated did he allow himself to be evacuated. His courageous actions were responsible for saving many lives and contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Staff Sergeant Hill'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. 4966 (September 28, 1967)

*HILL, RICHARD GARFIELD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard Garfield Hill (248-80-4103), 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 E, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Staff Sergeant Hill distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as squad leader during a patrol southwest of Fire Support Base Compton. When an enemy force opened fire from a flanking location, Sergeant Hill maneuvered his squad into advantageous positions, quickly eliminating six enemy troops. His squad then swept forward and riddled the hostile emplacements with rifle fire. As gunships moved in to bombard the enemy with rockets, Sergeant Hill assisted in evacuating the wounded. Although his men had been ordered to provide security, upon learning that the body of a fellow squad leader had fallen in a wall-forward position, Sergeant Hill immediately volunteered to accompany another squad as it assaulted. Valiantly pressing forward, he eliminated two enemy bunkers single-handedly. As he attempted to destroy a third position, he was mortally wounded by enemy rocket fire. Staff Sergeant Hill'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. 446 (February 16, 1970)
Home Town: Essex, Maryland

HITTI, JOHN L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John L. Hitti (0-99872), 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, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Captain Hitti distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 November 1966 while serving as a Task Force commander during the relief of a unit besieged by Viet Cong. When his first platoon had left the landing zone and moved halfway across an open field, it was struck by accurate machine gun fire and pinned down. While Captain Hitti directed the return fire, he spotted a hidden bunker and personally killed its occupants. Ignoring the bullets striking around him, he then crawled across the ravaged field to another bunker, killed one man, and routed the others. As one insurgent fled, Captain Hitti darted in and out of a hedgerow, in full view of the Viet Cong, and killed him. He cleared a third bunker, then stood up in the midst of the fighting to signal the pinned down platoon to withdraw. Deploying his men to approach from three sides, Captain Hitti led them in overrunning the enemy and destroying the fortified enemy complex. After evacuation helicopters had removed the casualties, he began adjusting artillery fire which protected his company from Viet Cong assault throughout the night. His tactical skill and fearless composure under fire turned an imminent disaster into a costly defeat for the enemy. Captain Hitti'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. 1220 (March 20, 1967)

HOANG, CHA LY
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Cha Ly Hoang, Commando, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Commando Cha Ly Hoang distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 September 1970. Commando Hoang's conspicuous gallantry and heroic action were in the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (October 27, 1972)
Home Town: Vietnam

HOFSTROM, WILLIAM R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William R. Hofstrom, 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, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Sergeant Hofstrom distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 November 1968 while on a search and clear operation south of Hue. On reaching the base of a hill, his element came under heavy enemy automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. When the point man and the platoon leader were wounded in the initial volley, Sergeant Hofstrom braved the barrage to pull them to safety. Realizing that the unconscious platoon leader was gagging on his own tongue, Sergeant Hofstrom immediately rendered first aid to prevent his strangulation and then carried him to the safety of a hill crest. He then immediately ran back through the fusillade to retrieve the point man. When both men were safe, he organized the remaining men to remove additional casualties and manned an M-60 machine gun to cover their efforts. Sergeant Hofstrom'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. 3078 (August 12, 1969)

HOGAN, JOHN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John Hogan (RA12761145), 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 (Airborne), 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Specialist Four Hogan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 May 1967 while serving as fire team leader of an airborne infantry platoon on combat operations near Duc Pho. While moving along a ridge line, his company was heavily attacked by a well-entrenched Viet Cong force firing automatic weapons. Seeing a wounded comrade trapped in the open, Specialist Hogan dashed from the rear of the column under a hail of enemy bullets and dragged the man to safety. Grabbing several hand grenades, he charged through the fire now concentrated on him and destroyed one enemy bunker. Heedless of the bullets striking all around him, he charged another bunker and killed the defenders with another hand grenade. He saw a wounded comrade nearby and quickly began carrying him to safety under a barrage of fire. A Viet Cong soldier stood up to fire on him, but he grabbed the wounded man's rifle and killed the insurgent with a deadly burst of fire. After moving the man to the perimeter, he ignored his own safety to grab his rifle and more grenades and again assault the fortifications single-handedly. Firing furiously, he destroyed another bunker with well-placed grenades. Shouting to his fire team to follow, he quickly knocked out another bunker and moved inside to puck up enemy weapons. Leading his men in a fierce charge, he swept through the hostile positions and aided in destroying four more Viet Cong fortifications. Specialist Four Hogan'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. 5387 (October 22, 1967)

HOLBROOK, MARK L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Mark L. Holbrook, 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 Troop A, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant Holbrook distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 and 2 March 1969 while flying in support of Fire Support Base Swinger. Despite devastating enemy fire directed at his aircraft, Captain Holbrook began close-range firing passes over the enemy positions, destroying their anti-aircraft weapon emplacement. He then reported the location of each wounded American soldier to expedite their medical evacuation. After leaving the contact area to replace his badly damaged airplane, Captain Holbrook returned to the battlefield to aid a second unit under hostile attack. Flying into the middle of the enemy fire, he began to mark positions for air strikes. When he discovered a large enemy element maneuvering to surround friendly ground troops, he initiated low passes and halted their forward movement. With the hostile element pinned down, he flew to another area of contact where he spotted two enemy vehicles, which he marked as well as surrounding enemy positions. Despite sustaining numerous hits to the craft, he ran marking passes which resulted in the destruction of vehicles, an ammunition depot and much of the enemy force. Captain Holbrook'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. 568 (March 1, 1970)

*HOLLAND, CARLTON JAKE (MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Carlton Jake Holland (0-2270112), 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 Holland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on during the period 9 - 10 February 1965 while serving as Subsector Advisor at Bu Dang compound, Duc Phong Subsector, Phuoc Long Sector, in the Republic of Vietnam. At 2200 hours on 9 February 1965, the compound was attacked by a hostile contingent composed of approximately seventy armed insurgents. During the initial assault, hostile mortar fire registered direct hits on the compound defenses. The Viet Cong, realizing the vulnerability of the compound, called upon Captain Holland to surrender. Stimulated by the will to resist, Captain Holland refused, despite the overwhelming odds. He then dispersed his small force to form a defensive perimeter. Taking the most dangerous approach himself, Captain Holland manned a machine gun and engaged the insurgents until the ammunition at that positions was exhausted. He then moved to an alternate position and continued to fight until his small band was overrun and killed by the Viet Cong. Captain Holland'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, Pacific, General Orders No. 98 (April 1, 1965)
Home Town: Casper, Wyoming

*HOLLAND, CHARLES JAMES (MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Charles James Holland (12588446), 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 E, 17th Cavalry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Holland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 August 1967. On this date, in an area 15 miles northeast of Dak To Special Forces Camp, Dak To Province, in support of Operation GREELEY, the Team's mission was to penetrate an area heavily infested by Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army elements, to conduct surveillance of enemy routes and to detect and report all enemy activities. Because heavy enemy activity had been reported in the area, the mission was considered to be very dangerous. Only minutes before the team was to be infiltrated, information was received that six-to-eight Viet Cong had been observed from an aircraft and that they had fired on the aircraft from a location 1,000 meters from the team's primary landing zone. When offered the opportunity to postpone the mission, Sergeant Holland declined, merely changing the location of the infiltration landing zone. During the first few hours after landing, the team located more than 25 foxholes, only 2 to 3 weeks old. The following morning they established an observation point from which they could watch both nearby Highway 14 and a known enemy trail a short distance away. The observation point, located on the side of a hill, was well concealed by the vegetation, but permitted an unobstructed view. A short time later, 21 Viet Cong were observed moving along the trail. After calling for artillery fire, voices and movement were heard to their rear and they were assaulted by intense enemy automatic weapons fire, hand grenades and M-79 grenade launcher fire. Sergeant Holland immediately returned fire but, realizing the extreme danger to his men, ordered the team to withdraw from the area. He remained behind to provide cover fire for his men, several times overtaking them only long enough to give additional instructions. When all the men had safely reached the bottom of the hill, it was noted that the radio had been left behind. Completely disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Holland charged back up the hill, firing his weapon in order to draw the enemy fire from his men. As a result of his gallant actions, it was possible for the remainder of the team to be safely extracted from their vulnerable position. The following day, Sergeant Holland's lifeless body was found a short distance from the point of initial contact. Because he was wearing part of the equipment which had been left behind, it was determined that he had reached the observation post and was overtaken by the enemy force while attempting to return to his men. From an examination of the area in which his body was found, it was discovered that he had valiantly fought the enemy until he was overcome. Moreover, evidence revealed that he had inflicted serious injury on several enemy soldiers. His courage in the face of a determined enemy force was instrumental in saving the lives of his team members. Sergeant Holland's conspicuous gallantry, his profound courage and his intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of 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. 15 (April 8, 1968)
Home Town: Elizabeth, New Jersey

HOLLINGSWORTH, JAMES F.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to James F. Hollingsworth (0-34155), Brigadier General, 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 Infantry Division. Brigadier General Hollingsworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action during the period 5 November 1966 to 8 November 1966 while serving as Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Infantry Division. On 5 November 1966, three Special Forces units attacked what unexpectedly turned out to be a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Within minutes, General Hollingsworth was airborne over the battle area in his command and control helicopter. To gain an accurate knowledge of the fluid ground situation, he had his pilot fly repeated low level passes over the insurgent positions. During these reconnaissance passes, while receiving intense hostile fire, General Hollingsworth formulated stratagems for the maneuver of the ground units, ordered devastating air strikes and artillery barrages on the Viet Cong emplacements, and enable them to repel the numerically superior Viet Cong force. On 8 November, one of his battalions engaged several Viet Cong Units. Immediately upon arriving at the scene, General Hollingsworth fearlessly moved about the area of conflict issuing directives, maintaining fire discipline, and encouraging the men to fight with renewed efforts. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he continuously exposed himself to the concentrated Viet Cong fire to coordinate all facets of the battle. His masterful and unerring battle strategy accounted for one of the most significant victories in the current conflict. Brigadier General Hollingsworth's extraordinary heroism and inspiring leadership were 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.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 590 (February 7, 1967)
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), Distinguished Service Cross w/2nd OLC (Vietnam)

HOLLINGSWORTH, JAMES F.
(Third Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to James F. Hollingsworth (0-34155), Brigadier General, 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 Infantry Division. Brigadier General Hollingsworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 March 1967 while serving as Acting Commander, 1st Infantry Division when the artillery support base at Bau Bang came under intense enemy mortar attack a few hours after midnight. Taking off in his command helicopter, following a briefing on the situation, General Hollingsworth immediately flew to the besieged unit. Despite the devastating ground fire directed at his aircraft, he ordered his pilot to make repeated low level passes over the ravaged area while he dauntlessly reconnoitered it. Realizing that an insurgent ground assault was imminent, General Hollingsworth called for air strikes as he continued to expose himself to the hail of bullets streaking through the darkness. When flareships illuminated the battlefield, he located the Viet Cong assembly area and, ignoring his vulnerable position, guided the support aircraft in their bombing and strafing runs. At 0500 hours, the insurgents began their mass attack. Contemptuous of the grave dangers, General Hollingsworth flew directly over the assaulting force and adjusted artillery fire into the charging Viet Cong. During the entire engagement, he continuously risked his own safety to best coordinate and direct the aggressive defense, which finally repulsed the fanatical enemy. Through his boundless courage and tactical ingenuity, he was instrumental in the defeat of the Viet Cong regiment, in which over 250 insurgents were killed. Brigadier General Hollingsworth'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. 2075 (May 6, 1967)
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), Distinguished Service Cross w/ OLC (Vietnam)

HOLLIS, EMMETT A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Emmett A. Hollis (RA15932695), 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, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Hollis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 May 1967 while serving as radio operator of an infantry company on a night assault mission near Ap Rach Gau. While attempting to relieve a unit surrounded by a numerically superior hostile force, his company was pinned down by heavy Viet Cong machine gun and automatic weapons fire. All attempts to maneuver out of the danger zone were futile under the withering barrage of fire from the well-entrenched enemy force. Quickly evaluating the situation, Specialist Hollis stood up and rallied his men for an attack on the enemy bunkers. Ignoring the hail of bullets striking around him, he led a furious charge that destroyed the forward line of trenches. Exposing himself to the mounting volume of fire, he regrouped his men and overran the second series of Viet Cong trenches inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents. A deadly volley of machine gun fire from the flank raked his unit, but he single-handedly attacked the bunker complex and destroyed it with grenades. Throughout the battle he stood in the open shouting orders and rallying his men until the enemy was defeated. Specialist Four Hollis' 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. 5050 (October 3, 1967)

HONEYCUTT, WELDON F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Weldon F. Honeycutt (0-82399), 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, 3d Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Lieutenant Colonel Honeycutt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 10 to 20 May 1969 while serving as battalion commander of the 3d Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry. On 10 May Colonel Honeycutt led his battalion into the Northern Ashau Valley as part of Operation APACHE SNOW, a multi-battalion combined operation directed at enemy forces, bases and lines of communication in and adjacent to the valley. The first company on the ground came into immediate contact which was to last for the next ten days. On many occasions Colonel Honeycutt continually exposed himself to hostile fire in order to direct artillery and tactical air strikes, assist in the evacuation of the wounded and offer guidance and encouragement to his troops. On one occasion while engaged in vicious hand-to-hand fighting, Colonel Honeycutt personally killed seven of the enemy. When not on the ground controlling his battalion, Colonel Honeycutt was airborne in his command and control helicopter making low-level passes over the hostile area drawing enemy fire in an effort to locate and mark the North Vietnamese positions for air strikes. After being wounded for the second time in four days, the Assistant Division Commander ordered Colonel Honeycutt to be evacuated for the treatment of his wounds. As soon as he was treated Colonel Honeycutt insisted that he return to the field to command his battalion. This tremendous display of fighting spirit coupled with the complete disregard for his own well being, sent another surge of inspiration to his command as he returned to the battle area. During the entire operation, Colonel Honeycutt was constantly leading his battalion and inspiring his men through his personal courage and fearless actions, resulting in over five hundred North Vietnamese Army regulars killed and the virtual destruction of two enemy battalions. Lieutenant Colonel Honeycutt'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. 1860 (May 23, 1969)

HOOK, WILLIAM W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William W. Hook (RA19669954), Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with the 82d Medical Detachment, 658th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade. Specialist Five Hook distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 March 1967 while serving as Air Ambulance Aidman of an aeromedical helicopter, supporting infantry operations in the Tam Binh district. While landing to rescue the crew of a crippled assault helicopter, Specialist Hook's craft took several hits from a heavy barrage of enemy automatic weapons. The helicopter touched down within fifty meters of the hostile positions, but with complete disregard for his own safety, he dashed from the craft to aid two of the crewmembers of the downed plane and guide them back through the hail of fire. As the Viet Cong fire concentrated on the rescue operations, he exposed himself time after time to direct the loading of the casualties and aid the wounded. Noticing an enemy machine gun nearby, Specialist Hook grabbed a rifle and began to fire on the position. Hostile fire knocked the rifle from his hands, but he ignored his own safety and remained exposed to aid his now wounded crewchief. He was injured when his plane was shot down on takeoff, but he refused aid and immediately began calling in air strikes on the enemy using the plane's radio. He then moved toward friendly positions carrying a wounded comrade. When the evacuation helicopters arrived, he sprinted from cover and led his men through withering fire to the planes. Looking back, he saw a wounded man in need of assistance and daringly returned to help him to safety. Once more before takeoff he ignored his own security to jump off the helicopter and brave the bullet-swept battlefield to rescue a comrade unable to move. Specialist Five Hook'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. 4738 (September 18, 1967)

HOPKINS, PERRY C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Perry C. Hopkins (W-2214348), Chief Warrant Officer (W-2), 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 161st Aviation Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion. Chief Warrant Officer Hopkins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 May 1966 while leading a flight of two armed helicopters in support of a besieged American convoy near Phu Cat. Arriving over the battle, he immediately dove through the intense ground fire and attacked the well-entrenched Viet Cong. Although both aircraft were hit and damaged, Warrant Officer Hopkins dauntlessly pressed the attack until the ravaged convoy was able to withdraw. With their ambush broken, the insurgents concentrated their devastating fire on the two helicopters. Suddenly, a burst of automatic weapons fire ripped through the aircraft, killing the co-pilot and severing the control cables. Demonstrating composure and exceptional flying skill, Warrant Officer Hopkins successfully crash-landed in a rice paddy. Jumping from the wreckage, he boldly fired his rifle into the charging Viet Cong, killing five. As the insurgents made repeated assaults, the crew dauntlessly held its position with devastating effect. Unmindful of the dangers, he courageously exposed himself to direct the fire of his gunners and extract the body of the dead co-pilot. With complete disregard for his safety, Warrant Officer Hopkins then shouldered his stricken comrade and, firing his weapon with one hand, he led his men across 70 meters of bullet-swept terrain to a rescue helicopter. Under his covering fire, they quickly boarded, and the aircraft extracted the beleaguered crew through a hail of bullets. His unimpeachable valor and profound concern for others saved his crew from certain death or capture, as they accounted for 55 dead insurgents. Chief Warrant Officer Hopkins' 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. 475 (January 31, 1967)

HOPKINS, RONALD J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ronald J. Hopkins (US56827957), 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, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Hopkins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 February 1968 as point man of his Infantry unit during a search and destroy mission near DaNang. His squad was assigned as point squad for an attack against an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Regulars. The initial hostile fire was so intense that Specialist Hopkins' platoon was forced to withdraw and re-group in a shallow trench line. He then led his squad along the ditch until it encountered an enemy machine gun emplacement which he neutralized, enabling the platoon to advance. The friendly force came under fire from a second machine gun position. Specialist Hopkins moved forward, eliminated the emplacement and captured the weapon. The insurgents then employed, mortar fire against his element. Unhesitantly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he advanced through a hail of shrapnel and small arms fire. He routed the North Vietnamese mortar crew and captured the weapon and its ammunition. As the battle continued, Specialist Hopkins saved a fellow soldier from possible injury or death by knocking him to the ground when the man failed to react to an enemy hand grenade that landed near his position. Specialist Four Hopkins' 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. 3763 (August 2, 1968)

HOPPER, PAUL W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Paul W. Hopper (US55986718), 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, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Hopper distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 March 1968 s a member of a small scouting unit which was providing flank security for a battalion near Trang Bang. Soon after the battalion made contact with a large enemy force, Specialist Hopper's scout section met a reinforced North Vietnamese Army battalion attempting to join a larger hostile force. He immediately assumed command and under his direction the communists' first human wave assault was driven off, leaving eighty enemy dead. With three of the five armored personnel carriers destroyed by rockets and a second attack imminent, Specialist Hopper directed his men to a more defensible position while he remained behind to cover their withdrawal. As he began to move his own track to the new position, it was struck by an anti-tank rocket, wounding him and immobilizing the vehicle. Despite his injury, he organized his men, cared for the wounded and helped repel the savage attacks. Exposing himself to a hail of bullets, he recovered ammunition from his burning vehicle and used the radio to call for help until the microphone was shot away. Through his uncommon leadership, he and his eighteen men protected the exposed flank of their battalion and killed more than one hundred and fifty of the enemy. Specialist Four Hopper'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. 1164 (April 4, 1969)

HORN, WILLIAM W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William W. Horn (OF-111624), 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 Battery C, 1st Battalion, 8th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Horn distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 April 1969 while serving as executive officer of two gun sections at Patrol Base Diamond. When the battery came under massive mortar and ground attack and communication land lines were severed, Lieutenant Horn left his bunker and raced through the deadly fusillade to supervise his howitzer crews. As the attacking communists pressed the perimeter defense, he rallied his men and directed their point-blank firing. In spite of the intense hostile barrages, he traversed one hundred fifty meters to the perimeter eighteen times to confer with forward observers and to radio information to his battery fire direction center. When a rocket-propelled grenade impacted upon an ammunition bunker, he fearlessly braved the hostile bombardment to extinguish the flames. He directed the firing of numerous beehive rounds which halted the enemy's advance within ten meters of the perimeter. First Lieutenant Horn'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. 2283 (June 27, 1969)

*HORST, ROBERT LOUIS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Louis Horst (486-54-2114), Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 7 April 1972 while serving as the Aircraft Commander of an unarmed medical evacuation helicopter in the 283d Medical Detachment, while attempting to evacuate three American advisors and one Army of the Republic of Vietnam captain after their convoy had been ambushed by an estimated battalion of highly trained North Vietnamese troops north of the city of An Loc, Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Horst heard about the stranded, critically-wounded Americans, who at the time were completely surrounded by the North Vietnamese ground element, as he flew out to evacuate an American medic who had been wounded while his crew unsuccessfully attempted to extract the besieged Americans. After landing at the staging area of Song Be, chief Warrant Officer Horst received a briefing during which he was informed that the enemy was in possession of numerous anti-aircraft weapons, and the continuous air strikes delivered to the enemy element had been to no avail in slaking the withering fire directed on any and all aircraft attempting to fly in the vicinity. Chief Warrant Officer Horst demonstrating indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, elected to go to the site and attempt a rescue. Although three attempts had been previously made to extract the wounded personnel, they had all bee repulsed by the deadly hail of enemy fire. At the site the enemy troops began to make bold advances on the American position despite heavy rocket attacks by the helicopter gunships. Chief Warrant Officer Horst sensing that any further delay might cost the lives of the wounded on the ground, began his approach and landed on the highway. When he did not immediately see the wounded Americans, he hovered down the highway amidst withering fire directed at him from all positions around the aircraft. It was during this heroic and humane attempt to locate the survivors, that chief Warrant Officer Horst was struck and killed by enemy fire. Chief Warrant Officer Horst's feats of gallantry were an inspiration to all who observed and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (October 27, 1972)
Born: June 20, 1950 at St. Louis, Missouri
Home Town: Springfield, Missouri

*HOUSTON, JOHN LUCIUS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John Lucius Houston (14706416), 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-726, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant Houston distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 July 1964 as a Radio Operator, serving with the United States Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong, Sergeant Houston demonstrated fortitude, courage, and determination when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full-scale, predawn 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. As he was moving to his battle position, he noticed that one of his team members had been knocked down by an exploding mortar. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he rushed through a hail of small arms fire and exploding mortars, succeeded in reaching the unconscious soldier, placed him in a covered position, and stayed with him until fully recovered before proceeding to his battle station. After he had moved only a few yards and was slightly injured by an exploding mortar, Sergeant Houston pressed on toward a large mound of dirt which afforded him excellent observation and fields of fire. From this position, he single-handedly shattered the vicious enemy assault in his sector and annihilated many of the enemy troops. As the hostile forces retaliated with an intense grenade assault on his position, he again deterred the enemy action. Although his ammunition was running out, he refused to take cover, called out to a fellow soldier to throw additional rounds to him, and reloaded the magazine while exposed to the heavy enemy gunfire. Undaunted by the overwhelming onslaught, he remained in this dangerous position for over two hours to defend the camp and displayed his valiant efforts until mortally wounded by the enemy. Sergeant Houston'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. 8 (March 9, 1965)
Home Town: Winter Park, Florida

HOUTHOOFD, CHARLES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles Houthoofd (RA16929738), Specialist Fourth 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 Troop D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Specialist Four Houthoofd distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 July 1968, while serving as a medical aidman for an armored cavalry unit. During a mounted sweep through a rubber plantation near Loc Ninh his element was suddenly engaged by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force which unleashed with a withering volume of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire. One of the tanks immediately received three direct hits from enemy antitank projectiles, severing one man's leg and injuring the vehicle's entire crew. Specialist Houthoofd, with total disregard for his safety, dismounted the vehicle in which he was riding and dashed one hundred meters through intense hostile fire to help his wounded comrades. He rapidly administered first aid to them and remained in the extremely vulnerable position to give vital intravenous transfusions. Suddenly an enemy rocket grenade detonated close to Specialist Houthoofd, rupturing both of his ear drums and wounding him in the right arm and groin. Refusing medical aid and evacuation for himself, he remained on the battlefield to care for other casualties until the fighting ended three and a half hours later. Specialist Four Houthoofd'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. 4772 (October 14, 1968)

HOWARD, ROBERT LEWIS
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert Lewis Howard, 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 (Central), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Howard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 November 1967. His 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. 2018 (May 2, 1968)
Born: July 11, 1939 at Opelika, Alabama
Home Town: Montgomery, Alabama
Other Award: Medal of Honor (Vietnam)

HUDSON, CLAUDE K.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Claude K. Hudson, 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 Commanding Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Captain Hudson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 June 1969 while serving as troop commander on a mission to search out and raze an abandoned village which harbored enemy troop concentrations. As his unit's vehicles moved southwest out of An Loc and neared the hamlet, communist forces initiated an uninterrupted barrage of automatic weapons and antitank grenade fire. Without a moments hesitation, Captain Hudson brought his troop on line and commenced to execute a frontal assault on the enemy emplacements. Standing on the rear of the deck of his track, he maneuvered about the bullet-swept field and directed the deployment of his men. As the armored force advanced, on of the platoons encountered fierce resistance and became stalled. Captain Hudson immediately directed his vehicle to the area and rallied his men to continue on line. For over four grueling hours, the troop thundered on, destroying hostile fortifications driving the enemy away. Throughout the battle, Captain Hudson remained exposed to vicious fire to control his troop as well as to guide a mechanized infantry unit that had been airlifted in to assist in the sweep. Captain Hudson'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. 4344 (December 6, 1969)
Home Town: Jonesboro, Georgia

*HUDSON, JOSEPH WILLIAM
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joseph William Hudson (455-20-4118), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Captain Hudson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 March 1969 while serving as intelligence officer during a night raid in Dinh Tuong Province. Shortly after his small element was inserted into the target area, the enemy opened fire. In the brief engagement in which two Viet Cong were wounded, he obtained valuable military information. After the intelligence had been relayed to headquarters, the party advanced and suddenly was trapped in a vicious crossfire. Captain Hudson repositioned his personnel and directed Cobra gun ship fire on enemy positions. Then, as his men provided suppressive fire, he crawled forward and eliminated a machine gun emplacement with two well-thrown grenades. As he was returning to his element, he was fatally wounded by hostile fire. Captain Hudson'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. 3044 (August 11, 1969)
Home Town: Louisville, Mississippi

HUGGINS, CHARLES R.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles R. Huggins, 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 Airborne Division Assistance Team, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Huggins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 20 April 1972 to 20 May 1972. His 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, MACV Support Command General Orders No. 2439 (1972)

HUGHES, GEORGE W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George W. Hughes (0-5325585), 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 D, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant Hughes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 May 1966 while commanding an anti-tank platoon during a dismounted combat operation near Bong Son. As the unit moved across an open rice paddy, it suddenly received intense mortar and recoilless rifle fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Hughes ran through the exploding rounds to coordinate an assault on the woodline to his front. As the platoon began advancing, he constantly exposed himself while moving between his men, shouting encouragement and directing fire on the insurgent positions. Approximately 300 meters short of the woodline, the unit was pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from a reinforced Viet Cong battalion. Since withdrawal was impossible due to mortar fire to his rear, Lieutenant Hughes dauntlessly led his platoon in three attempts to break through the hostile lines. Though wounded and suffering from a badly twisted ankle, he continued to exhibit leadership and personal courage that was an inspiration to his men. Throughout the three hour battle, Lieutenant Hughes disregarded his safety to direct the beleaguered unit. When the platoon was finally extracted, he again exposed himself to the hostile fire to ensure that all his men were evacuated before entering the armored vehicles himself. His composure under fire saved his platoon and inflicted heavy casualties on a numerically superior hostile force. Lieutenant Hughes' 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. 6925 (December 19, 1966)

*HUNSLEY, DENNIS ROGER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Dennis Roger Hunsley (0-5347868), 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 Hunsley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 March 1969 as a platoon leader during a night reconnaissance-in-force operation near Cu Chi. He was in charge of his company's point element when a large North Vietnamese Army force ambushed it, killing three and wounding fifteen within minutes. Lieutenant Hunsley dismounted his armored personnel carrier, which had been hit by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade, and carried two casualties to safety. Returning to his vehicle, he found that the carrier along side it had received a direct hit and he made a third and fourth trip through the communists' fusillade carrying two more wounded men back to the medic. When a North Vietnamese automatic weapons position opened fire from the flank while he was organizing a withdrawal, he led an assault that silenced the emplacement, and then carried another casualty to the medic track. Remaining behind until his men had escaped, Lieutenant Hunsley climbed into a damaged armored personnel carrier and was driving it from the battle area when he was fatally wounded by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade. First Lieutenant Hunsley'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. 1553 (May 2, 1969)
Home Town: Hannibal, Missouri

HUNT, TOM C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Tom C. Hunt, 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, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Hunt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 July 1970 while serving s medical aidman during combat operations in Phuoc Long Province. During contact with a determined and well-equipped enemy element, the allies suffered numerous casualties. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, Specialist Hunt moved through the contact area to treat wounded soldiers. After stabilizing the condition of several casualties, he removed them to rear positions and prepared them for helicopter evacuation. At this time, the specialist was informed that two other allied medical aidmen had been fatally wounded in the forward contact area. Without hesitation, he maneuvered to a forward position and treated two seriously wounded soldiers. When an exploding enemy rocket seriously wounded a nearby allied machine gunner, Specialist Hunt immediately went to his aid. Although wounded several times by an enemy machine gun as he treated his patient, the specialist continued his treatment until he collapsed from loss of blood. Specialist Four Hunt'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. 5008 (November 4, 1970)

HUNTER, RUSSELL L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Russell L. Hunter (0-5416197), Captain (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 October 1965, the Special Forces camp at Plei Me came under attack by a North Vietnamese regiment. In the early stages of the siege, heavy casualties were sustained by the hard-pressed defenders. Realizing that a mass casualty situation existed and the requirement for helicopter evacuation, Captain Hunter volunteered to fly into the camp by helicopter in order to provide professional on-the-spot medical care. Immediately upon landing, Captain Hunter began treating and sorting the many wounded under the most adverse conditions of hostile fire and limited facilities. Throughout the attack, he continually exposed himself to hostile small arms and mortar fire in order to retrieve and administer first aid to the wounded. By his presence on the ground, he was able to ascertain when medical evacuation was absolutely necessary, thereby reducing risk to the helicopter pilot and his crew. To minimize the ground time spent by the rescue helicopters in the battle areas, he personally sorted the more seriously wounded and dead troops and efficiently supervised their evacuation. In doing so he was wounded himself by mortar fragments. Despite his wounds and with complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to sort, treat and administer first aid to the wounded, before tending to his own wounds. Captain Hunter's courage under fire and his professional ability set and example for many other heroic acts by the defenders. His impact on the morale of the Plei Me Garrison contributed immeasurably to the successful defense of the camp. By his voluntary entry into a dangerous situation, he was not only able to save numerous lives but to instill a greater will to resist among the defenders. Captain Hunter's actions and example during six days of constant exposure to hostile fire was a source of inspiration to his comrades. His 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. 162 (1966)

HURTT, MICHAEL J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Michael J. Hurtt, 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 Airborne Advisory Detachment, Team 162, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Hurtt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 9 to 13 May 1970 while advising a group of Vietnamese soldiers during combat operations in Cambodia. On 9 May 1970, as Sergeant Hurtt and his unit advanced in search of suspected enemy locations, they were aggressively engaged by numerically superior enemy elements firing automatic weapons, rockets, and small arms. Although Sergeant Hurtt immediately directed devastating air and ground artillery rounds upon the hostile soldiers surrounding the friendly force, the enemy initiated a series of ground assaults in an attempt to overrun the allies. Exposing himself to the intense incoming fire, the sergeant stood alone in an open position to accurately adjust the aerial rocket artillery to within twenty-five meters of his position. Sergeant Hurtt directed numerous air strikes on other nearby enemy positions as the hostile forces massed for subsequent ground assaults. This action broke the enemy's initiative and enabled the allies to withdraw to a more defensible area. As the allies moved to their new position, they were suddenly confronted by three hostile soldiers firing AK-47 rifles. Ignoring the hostile fire, Sergeant Hurtt stepped forward and eliminated all three with a well-aimed burst of rifle fire. Shortly after the allies established their new defensive position, the enemy struck again. Throughout that night and the following day as the enemy continuously probed the friendly defenses, Sergeant Hurtt exposed himself to the fusillade to direct allied supporting fire upon the enemy. Although he became the focal point of enemy fire on numerous occasions, he never faltered in his actions and served as an inspiration to his weary troopers to maintain their defensive efforts. When the allies ran perilously low on ammunition, the sergeant marked his position with smoke grenades so that accurate re-supply attempts could be effected. Sergeant Hurtt's untiring efforts throughout the engagement enabled the allies to repel the enemy assaults and escape with only minimum casualties. Sergeant First Class Hurtt'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. 5089 (November 19, 1970)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Michael J. Hurtt, 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 Airborne Advisory Detachment, Team 162, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Hurtt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 9 to 13 May 1970 while advising a group of Vietnamese soldiers during combat operations in Cambodia. On 9 May 1970, as Sergeant Hurtt and his unit advanced in search of suspected enemy locations, they were aggressively engaged by numerically superior enemy elements firing automatic weapons, rockets, and small arms. Although Sergeant Hurtt immediately directed devastating air and ground artillery rounds upon the hostile soldiers surrounding the friendly force, the enemy initiated a series of ground assaults in an attempt to overrun the allies. Exposing himself to the intense incoming fire, the sergeant stood alone in an open position to accurately adjust the aerial rocket artillery to within twenty-five meters of his position. Sergeant Hurtt directed numerous air strikes on other nearby enemy positions as the hostile forces massed for subsequent ground assaults. This action broke the enemy's initiative and enabled the allies to withdraw to a more defensible area. As the allies moved to their new position, they were suddenly confronted by three hostile soldiers firing AK-47 rifles. Ignoring the hostile fire, Sergeant Hurtt stepped forward and eliminated all three with a well-aimed burst of rifle fire. Shortly after the allies established their new defensive position, the enemy struck again. Throughout that night and the following day as the enemy continuously probed the friendly defenses, Sergeant Hurtt exposed himself to the fusillade to direct allied supporting fire upon the enemy. Although he became the focal point of enemy fire on numerous occasions, he never faltered in his actions and served as an inspiration to his weary troopers to maintain their defensive efforts. When the allies ran perilously low on ammunition, the sergeant marked his position with smoke grenades so that accurate re-supply attempts could be effected. Sergeant Hurtt's untiring efforts throughout the engagement enabled the allies to repel the enemy assaults and escape with only minimum casualties. Sergeant First Class Hurtt'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. 5089 (November 19, 1970)

*HUTCHINSON, ROBERT S., II
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert S. Hutchinson, II (0-5337729), First Lieutenant (Infantry), 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 when Lieutenant Hutchinson's platoon came under attack by antitank rockets, rifle grenades, automatic weapons and small arms fire from a Viet Cong battalion positioned in well-fortified bunkers. Without hesitation, he immediately began directing the fire of his men on the enemy, and, after an armored personnel carrier had crashed through a brick wall in front of the enemy positions, he led his men through the opening in an assault against the insurgents. When heavy casualties were sustained, Lieutenant Hutchinson withdrew his men to regroup, covering their movement with his own fire. As the Viet Cong began a counterassault, he remained in his exposed position and fired into the charging Viet Cong ranks. Even though an enemy rocket exploded near him, Lieutenant Hutchinson continued to hold his position until his men had cleared the area. After supervising evacuation of the wounded, he again reorganized his men for another assault on the Viet Cong positions. While closing on the enemy, he was mortally wounded by automatic weapons fire. His courageous actions and determination were responsible for the eventual defeat of the fanatical enemy force. Lieutenant Hutchinson's extraordinary heroism 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. 80 (December 16, 1968)
Home Town: Hacienda Heights, California

IACOVACCI, JOHN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John H. Iacovacci (RA16657185), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Iacovacci distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 March 1969 while serving as platoon sergeant of the scouting element of a reconnaissance-in-force mission. Without warning the platoon came under flanking enemy crossfire. A rocket-propelled grenade rendered the rearmost vehicle of the column inoperative and knocked the crew to the ground. Since the machine gun still malfunctioned, the crew members remounted the personnel carrier, only to be hit again. Seeing the wounded soldiers helplessly stranded, Sergeant Iacovacci directed his men to initiate suppressive fire while he led forth a rescue party. En route, he personally wiped out an enemy rocket-propelled grenade team. On reaching the disabled vehicle, he administered first aid to a wounded soldier and removed him to a pickup point. As he was dragging a second man to safety, he observed an enemy automatic weapons site, which he single-handedly eliminated with grenades. On his third trip with an injured man, he discovered the body of another crew member, and carried both to safety. After loading the casualties in an armored personnel carrier, he remained in the hazardous area directing effective fire until the enemy was silenced. Staff Sergeant Iacovacci'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. 2081 (June 12, 1969)

*IGOE, WILLIAM JOHN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William John Igoe (US52674743), 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 A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. Private First Class Igoe distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1967 while serving as a machine gunner on an Armored Assault Vehicle. In the early morning hours, his base camp was attacked by a large enemy force firing mortars, recoilless rifles, automatic weapons and explosive charges. From the outset, Private Igoe poured heavy fire into the attacking insurgents killing many and preventing penetration of his portion of the perimeter. When an enemy force succeeded in breaking through another portion of the defenses, he continued his accurate fire though wounded by mortar fragments. As the battle progressed, an explosive charge was thrown into the assault vehicle but was deflected by Private Igoe. The ensuing explosion seriously wounded him and set the vehicle afire, but he continued to fire on the attackers while directing the other members of the crew to escape. As the men were leaving, a recoilless rifle round hit the vehicle and mortally wounded Private Igoe. His courageous actions in warning his comrades before the final explosion undoubtedly saved their lives. Private First Class Igoe'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. 4429 (August 30, 1967)
Home Town: Warington, Pennsylvania

IRELAND, DANIEL L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Daniel L. Ireland (RA16798867), 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 Ireland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 January 1968 as an infantry platoon sergeant during a search and destroy mission of Operation YELLOWSTONE. Sergeant Ireland was moving with his company's point element when Viet Cong forces launched a savage attack on the unit. He was momentarily knocked unconscious by an exploding enemy claymore mine but quickly recovered and delivered a devastating barrage on the attackers. After killing two insurgents with grenade launcher fire, he moved across the bullet-swept battlefield to reorganize his men and direct their fight against the enemy. Automatic weapons and rocket grenade fire struck all around him, but he refused to take cover and called for a machine gun to be brought forward. The gunner was wounded as the enemy concentrated its full firepower on the vital weapon. Sergeant Ireland immediately took charge of the weapon and covered the withdrawal of the point element to the company perimeter. After moving back himself, he noticed that the wounded gunner had not reached safety. Completely disregarding his safety, Sergeant Ireland dashed through a curtain of fire to his fallen comrade and carried him back to friendly lines. He then returned to the raging battle and deployed his troops to more effectively repulse the continuing enemy assaults. Repeatedly inspiring his men with his heroic actions in the heat of battle, he directed a tenacious defense which inflicted heavy casualties on the Viet Cong and forced them to flee. Staff Sergeant Ireland'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. 2384 (May 20, 1968)

ISAAC, JESSE A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jesse A. Isaac, 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, 1st battalion 506th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Sergeant First Class Isaac distinguished himself on 25 April 1970 while leading a platoon during combat operations near an allied fire support base. As Sergeant Isaac's company moved through the mountainous jungle terrain, they came under a heavy barrage of small arms and automatic weapons fire from an undetermined size enemy force. The sergeant immediately deployed his men into strategic defensive positions and directed their fire toward the hostile element. Realizing that other action must be initiated to relieve the pressure on his company, Sergeant Isaac assaulted the enemy, spraying their positions with intense rifle fire as he advanced. Although wounded during his assault, the sergeant secured a position within a few meters of an enemy bunker and destroyed it with an accurately thrown hand grenade. He then directed his attention to an enemy sniper placing accurate suppressive fire on the allied troops. Ignoring the accurate fire directed toward him, he engaged the sniper and eliminated him with a well aimed burst of rifle fire. After returning to his men, he led an aggressive assault against the remaining enemy positions that drove the hostile force from the area. Sergeant First Class Isaac'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. 5005 (November 4, 1970)

ISENHART, WILSON J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Wilson J. Isenhart (US52617661), 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, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade. Sergeant Isenhart distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 February 1967 while serving as fire team leader during a search and destroy mission in hostile territory. When an observation post near his unit received intense fire on three sides from a Viet Cong force, Sergeant Isenhart picked up a machine gun and single-handedly charged the Viet Cong as they were closing in on the two men in the post. Unknown to him, the insurgents were backed up by additional men 25 meters to their rear. Heedless of the intense fire, he forced his way toward the wounded men until pinned down by fire so intense that reinforcements behind him were unable to continue their advance. He renewed his assault until his ammunition ran out. When his reinforcements caught up with him and suppressed the insurgents momentarily, Sergeant Isenhart took those few seconds to run to the two wounded men, grabbed one of their weapons, and for the second time, single-handedly assaulted the numerically superior Viet Cong. After repulsing the insurgents, he took command of the men with him and set up a defensive perimeter around the observation point. His fearless attacks drove off a greater force than his own and saved the lives of the two men at the post. Sergeant Isenhart'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. 3635 (July 18, 1967)

*JABLONSKI, JOHN ANDREW
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John Andrew Jablonski (RA11961054), 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, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Sergeant Jablonski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 August 1968 as team leader during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Can Giuoc. His company came under intensive fire and was pinned down by a company of Viet Cong occupying well-fortified positions. Observing that the point man had been wounded, Specialist Jablonski ran through the enemy fusillade to provide covering fire for a medic who was trying to reach the injured soldier. Discovering that the man had been fatally wounded, Specialist Jablonski assaulted the bunker and destroyed it with hand grenades. Returning to the rear with the body of his fallen comrade, Specialist Jablonski voluntarily assumed the point position. Remaining calm and highly alert, he detected four more communist bunkers and before the enemy had time to react, his platoon engaged and destroyed the hostile emplacements. After serving in the precarious position for two hours, Specialist Jablonski was ordered by the platoon leader to the rear. Ten minutes later his platoon again came under intense enemy fire, sustaining two casualties. Without hesitation, Specialist Jablonski again rushed through the barrage of enemy fire and destroyed a second Viet Cong bunker. Maneuvering to one of the casualties, he carried the wounded man through a hail of fire to safety. Returning immediately to the front, he provided covering fire for other members of his platoon who were maneuvering to destroy the remaining bunkers. As his element again moved forward, Specialist Jablonski once more assumed the point position. A short time later, he sighted two Viet Cong soldiers trying to escape the area. He ran forward to engage the fleeing enemy, firing his weapon and throwing hand grenades as he moved. Specialist Jablonski had killed one of the Viet Cong when five from an enemy bunker mortally wounded him. His dedication to duty and indomitable spirit prevented many casualties and served as an inspiration to the men of his company. Specialist Four Jablonski'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. 5752 (December 17, 1968)
Home Town: Webster, Massachusetts

JACKSON, WARREN G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Warren G. Jackson, Chief Warrant Officer (W-2), 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 Medical Company, 215th Combat Support Battalion (Separate), 3d Brigade (Separate), 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Chief Warrant Officer Jackson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 June 1971 while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1H medical evacuation helicopter answering an urgent medical evacuation request for Charlie Company, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry. This unit had sustained eight critically wounded patients while engaging an undetermined size force of North Vietnamese troops situated in well-fortified bunkers. While Chief Warrant Officer Jackson circled the contact site, he observed another medical evacuation helicopter, answering the same urgent call for evacuation, sustain serious damage from ground fire and crash in flames. Disregarding his personal safety, Chief Warrant Officer Jackson immediately descended his helicopter through a small opening in the jungle canopy to the site of the crippled aircraft and its crew. Enduring intense hostile fire from enemy soldiers advancing from the surrounding woodline, Chief Warrant Officer Jackson remained in control of the situation by directing suppressive fire from nearby Cobra gunships which stopped the enemy's attack. The time gained by this act allowed the downed crew to be loaded on his aircraft for evacuation to safety. As Chief Warrant Officer Jackson began his take-off, the burning helicopter's fuel cells exploded requiring him to make immediate evasive maneuvers to avoid having his own aircraft destroyed by the blast. Upon leaving the immediate area, Chief Warrant Officer Jackson's aircraft was again subjected to devastating small arms fire, but due to his calm and professional attitude, disaster was again averted. Chief Warrant Officer Jackson's devotion to duty and concern for his fellow soldiers led him to the same embattled area twice again that day with his damaged aircraft; thus, eight more wounded troops were safely evacuated. Chief Warrant Officer Jackson'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. 871 (May 1, 1972)

*JACKSON, WILLIAM
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William Jackson (RA12771906), Private, 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. Private Jackson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 March 1969 during a combat sweep operation near the village of Tap An Bac, approximately twenty miles southeast of Quang Ngai City. While his unit was making its way through thick underbrush, hedgerows and clusters of bamboo, several small groups of North Vietnamese soldiers were spotted. Searching the dense terrain, Specialist Jackson saw four enemy troops moving to a bunker and immediately opened fire, single-handedly killing all four and capturing their weapons. As his element continued forward, it came under fire from a hostile fortification which wounded the radio-telephone operator. Private Jackson courageously exposed himself to the communists to draw their attention and to place accurate return fire, enabling two men to rescue the casualty. When he and his comrades were securing the area so the wounded man could be evacuated, they started to receive heavy fire from another enemy position. Shooting his rifle and hurling hand grenades, Private Jackson made a direct assault on the stronghold and succeeded in silencing it. An ambulance helicopter began to land, but was engulfed by enemy fire. Private Jackson braved a hail of bullets to engage the aggressors, and was mortally wounded by the hostile fusillade. Private Jackson'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. 1855 (May 23, 1969)
Home Town: Bayonne, New Jersey

JAEGER, THOMAS W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas W. Jaeger (0-5337104), Captain (Infantry), [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 Detachment (Central), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Jaeger distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 15 to 19 November 1968 as platoon leader and later as commander of a company consisting primarily of American-led Vietnamese paramilitary personnel during a reconnaissance-in-force operation deep within enemy territory. On the night of the fifteenth, a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force attacked with rifle grenade and automatic weapons fire, immediately causing six casualties. Braving the deadly fusillade, Captain Jaeger crawled to a seriously injured man and administered first aid. He next moved from position to position, encouraging his troops, treating their wounds, and calling in air strikes which forced the North Vietnamese to withdraw. Late in the afternoon of the eighteenth, the unit was ambushed by two enemy companies. Captain Jaeger, who had been placed in charge of his company on the sixteenth, quickly called for air support. Seeing a wounded Vietnamese soldier twenty meters away, he ran through a hail of bullets and administered life saving treatment. When he was told that one of his platoon leaders had been critically wounded, he crossed forty meters through a hail of bullets to assist the officer. He then directed air strikes within ten meters of his position to allow an ambulance helicopter to land, but the ship was hit by hostile fire and crashed in flames. Although he had been wounded by grenade shrapnel, Captain Jaeger ran to the aircraft with two other men and helped rescue the downed crew moments before the ship exploded. After assisting one of the injured men to his unit's perimeter, he again called in air strikes which enabled helicopters to evacuate the more seriously wounded. Realizing the enemy would probably try to overrun his company during the night, he continued to direct air strikes for fourteen hours, preventing the communists from massing for an attack and enabling his men to be extracted the next morning. Captain Jaeger'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. 1864 (May 23, 1969)

JAMES, KIRK J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Kirk J. James (RA12724303), 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, 28th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four James distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 November 1966 while serving as squad leader with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry. As the unit was preparing the morning meal, the camp suddenly received intense machine gun and mortar fire from all sides. Specialist James quickly fired his weapon point blank into a Viet Cong machine gun position, killing the insurgent gun crew. With complete disregard for his safety, he exposed himself to the exploding rounds as he directed fire and ran from position to position with equipment and medical supplies. Spotting several Viet Cong attempting to set up another machine gun, he alertly fired, killing several and forced the rest to flee. Wounded in the face, Specialist james then crawled 40 yards through intense fire to the command post where the platoon sergeant was calling for air strikes. Unhesitatingly, he ran from the bunker and completely exposed himself to the Viet Cong fire to reach smoke grenades with which he marked the friendly positions for the approaching aircraft. Specialist James dauntlessly risked death and injury throughout the four-hour battle as he continued crawling between positions, throwing grenades, and administering first aid to the wounded. As supplies were brought forward, he moved along the perimeter, distributed ammunition and shouted encouragement to his beleaguered comrades. His gallantry and composure under the most critical conditions inspired everyone around him to successfully repel the Viet Cong attack. Specialist Four James' 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. 6987 (December 21, 1966)

JARMAN, JEFFERY G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jeffery G. Jarman, 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 Battery D, 71st Artillery, II Field Force Artillery. Sergeant Jarman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 May 1969 during a coordinated rocket and ground attack on Husky Compound at Xuan Loc. Shortly after midnight, from his position on a quad fifty-caliber machine gun, Sergeant Jarman detected a large North Vietnamese force advancing on the perimeter and immediately directed fire on the assaulting troops. As the battle continued, he realized that the compound's other quad fifty-caliber gun had fallen silent. Fearing that the emplacement was in danger, Sergeant Jarman dashed across the fire-swept base to reach the other weapon. Observing that the position had received a direct rocket grenade hit, he quickly removed one casualty to safety. Returning to extract the second wounded gunner, Sergeant Jarman was shot in the shoulder by an enemy soldier who had penetrated the perimeter. Using his good arm, he fired his M-16 rifle killing three hostile invaders and routing the remaining aggressors. While Sergeant Jarman provided suppressive fire, members of the gun crew moved the casualties to a nearby 105 millimeter howitzer position to receive medical treatment. Only after he had expended his ammunition did he withdraw to the howitzer where he assisted the artillery crew in cutting fuses and dispensing ammunition. Suddenly a rocket impacted next to the howitzer, wounding several of the crew members as well as Sergeant Jarman. Despite his multiple wounds, he braved the incoming fusillade to drag several critically wounded men to the next howitzer position. When all of the casualties had been moved, he continued to fire on the enemy until rendered unconscious by his wounds. Sergeant Jarman'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. 3455 (September 8, 1969)

JENKINS, WILBUR G., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Wilbur G. Jenkins, Jr. (0-65099), 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 as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Calvary Division (Airmobile). Lieutenant Colonel Jenkins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 September 1967 while leading a combat operation near Bong Son. An element of his battalion defending a bridge was heavily attacked late at night by a numerically superior North Vietnamese force. Colonel Jenkins immediately secured a helicopter and flew to the battle site to assess the situation. On the first pass over the bridge, he could see no sign of any activity. He ordered the pilot to land and jumped to the ground armed only with a pistol and two grenades. Savage enemy fire erupted all around him as he touched the ground, but he completely disregarded his own safety and ordered the pilot to leave. With bullets striking all around him, he dashed to the friendly positions and braved withering fire to place his men in a tight defensive perimeter. Continually exposing himself to the enemy weapons, he encouraged and inspired his men to fight furiously and repel the fanatical hostile assaults. As the fighting began to abate, he moved forward with one of his men to count the battle casualties. An enemy soldier jumped up in front of him, and in an exchange of fire at point blank range, Colonel Jenkins was wounded. When reinforcements arrived he remained on the ground until they had secured a defensive perimeter. After assuring himself that all the wounded had been put aboard evacuation helicopters, he permitted his own evacuation. His exemplary and aggressive leadership had inspired his men to overcome staggering odds and inflict a decisive defeat on the determined enemy attackers. Lieutenant Colonel Jenkins' 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. 6337 (December 10, 1967)

JOHNDRO, DANA A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Dana A. Johndro, Chief Warrant Officer (W-2), 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 361st Aviation Company (Escort), 52d Aviation Battalion (Combat), 17th Aviation Group (Combat), 1st Aviation Brigade. Chief Warrant Officer W2 Johndro distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 March 1971 while serving as the air mission commander of a light fire team of four helicopter gunships during an emergency extraction of allied personnel at Fire Support Base 6. Upon notification that thirty-three survivors, including nine Americans, were trying to avoid capture by a large enemy force, Warrant Officer Johndro requested the allies to move to an extraction point. Flying through darkness and inclement weather, he returned to the contact area after refueling at Kontum. Receiving heavy enemy flak, Mister Johndro directed his accompanying gunships in their suppressive fire upon the belligerents' positions. Amid a barrage of enemy fusillade, Mister Johndro hovered his aircraft and placed devastating fire upon the approaching foe at point blank range. This action enabled the survivors to be loaded upon rescue helicopters and safely evacuated from the besieged area. Chief Warrant Officer W2 Johndro'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. 2264-340 (June 29, 1971)

JOHNSON, DALLAS W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Dallas W. Johnson (RA19383782), 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. At approximately 2345 hours, 9 June 1965, the united States Army Special Forces Compound at Dong Xoai, was attacked by a hard-core Viet Cong force estimated to be composed of two regiments. During the initial attack, Sergeant Johnson was awakened by the sound of exploding mortar and recoilless weapons rounds and small arms and automatic weapons fire. He shouted the alarm to the others and immediately rushed out of the team hut through an intense hostile mortar barrage to a position along the defensive perimeter. During the initial phase of the camp's defense, Sergeant Johnson, with complete disregard for his own personal safety and despite a painful shrapnel wound, moved from position to position in order to give timely advice and much needed moral support to the friendly Vietnamese troops within the compound. As the ferocity of the Viet Cong assault reached a frenzied peak, the indigenous defenders began to withdraw from their positions, endangering the defense of the camp. Sergeant Johnson, cognizant of these events, rushed through the intense hail of hostile fire and successfully regrouped the withdrawing elements into effective fighting units and gave them the impetus to resist the murderous attack. Despite all defensive efforts, it became necessary for the friendly forces to withdraw to a new defensive perimeter in the adjoining District Compound. As the battle raged into its fourteenth hour, Sergeant Johnson continued to direct devastating fire upon the Viet Cong from his new position inside the District Headquarters building. As hostile fire became so intense as to allow an insurgent flame thrower team to advance within a few feet of the building, Sergeant Johnson, exposing himself once more to a hail of hostile fire, stepped in front of an open window and quickly annihilated the advancing insurgents. During the course of the ensuing battle, two members of his Special Forces team were wounded defending the District Compound's south gate. Sergeant Johnson immediately directed their successful evacuation and personally carried one of his fellow comrades to the relative safety of the District Headquarters building. His bravery, leadership, and self-sacrifice throughout the ordeal at Dong Xoai were major factors contributing to the successful defense of the camp. Sergeant First Class Johnson'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. 24 (January 31, 1966)

*JOHNSON, DEAN RAYMOND
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Dean Raymond Johnson (RA16946576), 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 B, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 April 1969 as a perimeter guard at his company's night defensive position in Hau Nhgia Province. While he was manning a listening post fifty meters outside the perimeter, an estimated company of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong assaulted under the cover of mortar, rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. Ordered to pull back, Private Johnson made his way to within ten meters of the perimeter and then turned to place heavy suppressive fire on the aggressors. After temporarily halting their advance, he crossed the defensive wire and continued to combat the foe. When a strategic section of the perimeter was overrun, he moved through the hostile barrage to within ten meters of the communists and engaged the enemy with fragmentation grenades and small arms fire. He held his ground against the determined enemy advance until he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. Private First Class Johnson'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. 2201 (June 23, 1969)
Home Town: Wheaton, Minnesota

JOHNSON, JAMES H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James H. Johnson, 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, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Specialist Four Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 March 1969 while serving as medical aidman during a combat sweep operation near Tap An Bac. As his company entered a thickly vegetated area, heavy fire erupted from a series of hostile positions. Immediately Specialist Johnson began administering medical treatment to the wounded. As the unit moved forward, the communist forces poured intense machine gun fire into the advancing ranks, wounding several including the company commander. Braving the enemy barrage, Specialist Johnson rushed to their aid. He contrived a litter on which the commander was evacuated to an ambulance helicopter. Returning to the area of conflict where enemy grenades were exploding, he continued to minister to casualties, bandaging wounds, treating for shock and aiding in the evacuation of the seriously wounded. Specialist Four Johnson'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. 2709 (July 17, 1969)

JOHNSON, JAMES H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James H. Johnson (0-61923), 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, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Lieutenant Colonel Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 and 31 January 1968 as commander of an airborne infantry battalion on a combat mission near Tuy Hoa. During the early morning hours of 30 January, his unit was called to aid an artillery battery which had been overrun by a North Vietnamese Army force. After making an estimate of the situation, Colonel Johnson committed a company size reaction force to counterattack the enemy and quickly established his forward command post at the battery's perimeter. Repeatedly exposing himself to savage hostile automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire, he skillfully directed his troops' assault which forced the North Vietnamese to withdraw to a nearby village. Colonel Johnson led his company in pursuit of the enemy, set up a second command post on high ground overlooking the hamlet and determined that the North Vietnamese were occupying previously constructed fortified positions. Continuing to brave intense hostile fire, he moved forward with his assault element and, upon meeting stiff resistance from the dug-in enemy force, decided to employ a riot control agent. Colonel Johnson then personally led his troops through a withering hail of bullets into the village. Carrying his radio on his back, he moved throughout the battle area, encouraging and inspiring his men's fierce fight. When it became apparent that his company was combating an entire North Vietnamese Army battalion, Colonel Johnson ordered his troops to pull back, boarded his command and control helicopter and, from the air directed devastating artillery and air strikes on the enemy. He then landed and heedless of relentless hostile fire, maneuvered another element of his unit into positions surrounding the village, blocking the enemy's escape routes. Throughout the night, Colonel Johnson adjusted the artillery, mortar and gunship fire on the enemy fortifications, and the following morning accompanied his infantrymen in a final assault against them. His gallant and exemplary leadership in close combat was responsible for an overwhelming victory over the numerically superior North Vietnamese. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson'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. 2247 (May 14, 1968)
Home Town: Maryland

JOHNSON, JESSE L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jesse L. Johnson (0-5344800), 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, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Captain Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 and 24 July 1968 while commanding an infantry company during a reconnaissance-in-force operation in Long An Province. His company was lifted by helicopter to join in a fierce fire fight with an estimated Viet Cong battalion. Captain Johnson asked to be inserted at the point of heaviest contact, and ran a hundred meters through intense machine gun fire to reach his lead element. Rallying his men, he led them in an assault against an enemy bunker complex which destroyed three bunkers, killed eight communists, and forced the remaining Viet Cong in the area to flee. By continuing to press the enemy, he freed other elements which had been pinned down by hostile fire. As darkness fell Captain Johnson's company was inserted into a new area. After directing the landing of a sister company under constant fire and moving three hundred meters across fire-swept rice paddies to assist in the deployment of its men, he organized a rescue party to aid a downed helicopter crew. Leading his small group through intense infested territory, he successfully evacuated the dead and wounded from the craft. Later that night, Captain Johnson directed movement on the edge of his company's perimeter. Advancing alone, he encountered three armed Viet Cong whom he slew in a brief fire fight. Seeing an enemy platoon forming for an assault on his position, he called in artillery which forced the aggressors back, but also wounded him. Refusing evacuation, he remained with his company through the night to direct its defense and insure the safety of his men. At daybreak he led his troops against the entrapped enemy force, crushing its resistance. He was then ordered by his battalion commander to leave his unit and receive medical attention. Captain Johnson'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. 4771 (October 14, 1968)

JOHNSON, JOHN C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John C. Johnson, 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 21st DCAT, Advisory Team 51, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 16 May to 8 June 1972 while serving as Senior Advisor, 15th Regiment, attached to the 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 15th Regiment, which was on a mission to relieve the siege on An Loc, was the most forward element of the division and was subjected to intense artillery, mortar, rocket, automatic and small arms fire. Colonel Johnson accompanied the regiment in its insertion north of Tan Khai and assumed a vital role in the functioning of the regiment in its critical mission. He, without regard for his own personal safety, repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to actively advise his counterpart to direct air strikes, was instrumental in the success attained by the regiment in the destruction of enemy tanks, also rallying and leading the regiment in several counterattacks. On 25 May 1972 he heroically recovered and administered first aid, under fire, to one of his battalion advisors. From 25 May to 8 June 1972 he was the only U.S. Advisor with the 15th Regiment. He served literally 24 hours a day, both in maintenance of communications with the division and the adjacent units. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson'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, MACV Support Command General Orders No. 1927 (August 19, 1972)

JOHNSON, LARRY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Larry Johnson (US67193481), 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, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 January 1969 as acting platoon sergeant on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Ben Tre, Kien Hoa Province. While his company was being inserted into a landing zone it came under intense enemy fire and sustained several casualties. Realizing that the hostile fire would have to be suppressed before his stricken comrades could be evacuated, Specialist Johnson quickly organized his troops and led them through the fusillade toward the communist's bunkers. Despite being wounded by enemy fire, he skillfully brought his element across an open area and into a canal, maneuvering to within ten meters of the fortifications before he and his men were pinned down by a crossfire. Courageously exposing himself to the barrage, he then left the dike and single-handedly assaulted a bunker, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades. Wounded and driven back, he made a second attempt, only to be wounded again. Although unable to use his right arm and in great pain, he charged through the crossfire and, after being hit a fourth time, succeeded in destroying the bunker with hand grenades. As he was beginning to assault a second bunker, he lost consciousness due to his wounds. Sergeant Johnson'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. 1617 (May 7, 1969)

*JOHNSON, PETER WYETH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Peter Wyeth Johnson (0-5331906), 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 Detachment B-22, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. First Lieutenant Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 February 1968 while serving as senior Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese strike force platoon conducting a search and destroy mission in Binh Dinh Province. The unit was moving across open rice paddies when heavy automatic weapons fire erupted on it from a reinforced North Vietnamese company occupying well-fortified positions in a nearby hamlet. Quickly withdrawing his troops from the savage fusillade, Lieutenant Johnson directed accurate artillery and air strikes on the enemy positions. As the bombardment lifted, he rallied his men and led a fierce assault on the hamlet. An intense hail of bullets raked the exposed platoon, and Lieutenant Johnson withdrew his men and again requested artillery and air support. He then reorganized his troops and fearlessly led a second assault through a curtain of hostile fire. While shouting encouragement and gallantly charging the fortified North Vietnamese bunkers, Lieutenant Johnson was hit by enemy fire and instantly killed. His determined and courageous leadership in close combat inspired his fellow soldiers to overrun and capture their objective. First Lieutenant Johnson'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. 981 (March 4, 1968)
Home Town: Wilton, Connecticut

JOHNSON, RICHARD H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard H. Johnson (0-27179), 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, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Colonel Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 3 to 17 November 1967 as commanding officer of an infantry brigade during its critical battle for Dak To. Repeatedly placing his life in extreme jeopardy, he conducted aerial reconnaissance under fire and maintained personal contact with elements of his brigade which were locked in fierce combat with numerically superior North Vietnamese forces. Undeterred by ravaging enemy fire, Colonel Johnson constantly remained with his men, directing, coordinating and encouraging their efforts. During the assault against a well-entrenched enemy on Hill 1338, he continuously surveyed the tactical situation from the air, bringing his command and control helicopter low over the conflict to obtain the best information possible on the tactical situation and friendly and enemy conditions. On 17 November 1967, when the fighting for the strategic hill reached its peak, he landed amid hostile fire in a hastily prepared landing zone and provided his troops with leadership and inspiration that enabled them to stubbornly press onward, dislodging and routing the enemy from the crest. This stunning victory over great odds demoralized all opposing enemy elements and rallied the morale and spirit of battle-wearied friendly forces. Colonel Johnson'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. 1699 (April 13, 1968)

JOHNSON, WILLIAM D., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William D. Johnson, Jr. (0-92676), Captain (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 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 July 1964 while serving as Special Forces Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese Civilian Irregular Defense Group Strike Force at Camp Poleikrong, in the Republic of Vietnam. At 0150 hours on 4 July 1964, Camp Poleikrong was attacked by a hostile contingent composed of approximately seven hundred armed insurgents. During the initial assault, mortar fire registered direct hits on the Special forces team billet, supply room, and mortar positions. Notwithstanding the concentrated small arms fire, Captain Johnson, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, repeatedly exposed and silhouetted himself against the flaming buildings to direct the defense and organize a perimeter to thwart the advancing insurgent force to save the camp and its personnel from complete annihilation. At one point during the raging battle, he single-handedly disrupted and disorganized an advancing Viet Cong platoon, inflicting overwhelming casualties by stunning them with rifle grenades and firing deadly point-blank automatic rifle fire into the surging mass. By his dynamic personal example, intrepid devotion to duty, and issuance of timely advice and orders, Captain Johnson inspired his hard-pressed force to repulse the attacking insurgents, despite their initial tactical advantage and manpower superiority, and insured the safety of friendly wounded personnel. Captain Johnson'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. 67 (1965)

JOHNSTON, JOHN R., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John R. Johnston, Jr. (0-5023201), 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 Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Johnston distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 and 26 August 1966 while commanding an armored cavalry platoon during a search and destroy mission near Lai Khe. When an intense engagement erupted with a large Viet Cong unit, Lieutenant Johnston was ordered to reinforce another cavalry platoon which was vastly outnumbered. After leading his vehicles through the dense rain forest to the besieged unit, he immediately deployed his vehicles to bring maximum fire on the insurgent positions. As Lieutenant Johnston dauntlessly maneuvered the platoon, his armored vehicle was immobilized by two recoilless rifle hits, which wounded several crew members. He quickly administered aid to the casualties and directed their evacuation. Unable to establish communications with the rest of the platoon, he fearlessly ran thorough a hail of bullets and exploding mortar rounds to another armored vehicle. Discovering the radio inoperable, Lieutenant Johnston again ignored the extreme dangers and left the vehicle to direct the defense. Contemptuous of the devastating hostile fire which claimed casualties all around him, he darted among the tracks shouting orders and encouragement. When the enemy briefly broke contact, Lieutenant Johnston organized both platoons into a tenable perimeter. Moving around the area under sporadic sniper fire, he supervised the extraction of the wounded and redistributed supplies. Throughout the eighteen hours, his unimpeachable valor and dynamic leadership inspired his men to resist every hostile attack, finally forcing the insurgents to retreat into the jungle. First Lieutenant Johnston'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. 1587 (April 8, 1967)

JONAS, SPENCER W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Spencer W. Jonas, 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 Airborne Division Advisory Detachment, Team 162, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Jonas distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 28 to 31 January 1970 while advising a company of Vietnamese soldiers during combat operations in Tay Ninh Province. While on a search and clear mission, the company made contact with a numerically superior enemy element that forced the allies to assume a defensive position and call for air support. Throughout the first day and night, as the enemy pressure continued, Sergeant Jonas exposed himself to enemy fire to direct and adjust artillery rounds against the onrushing enemy. At times, he directed the supporting fire to within ten metes of his own perimeter. The following day, the sergeant continued to direct numerous air strikes which successfully diverted all attacks. That night, while suffering a critical shortage of ammunition, the company was viciously attacked by the same determined enemy force. Sergeant Jonas remained in an exposed position on his perimeter to operate a strobe light and pinpoint enemy positions for artillery support fire. Although the focal point of enemy fire, he continued this action and again successfully prevented the enemy from overrunning his position. On the third ay, after directing a heavy volume of air strikes, the sergeant directed a helicopter ambulance to his position to evacuate the wounded. Ignoring the intense enemy fire that raked the area, he assisted the wounded aboard the aircraft. Sergeant Jonas continued his determined fight until the fourth day when he was relieved by two allied companies. Sergeant First Class Jonas' 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. 4479 (September 21, 1970)

*JONES, DENNIS KEITH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Dennis Keith Jones (US56587454), 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, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Jones distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 to 12 May 1968 while serving as forward observer for an infantry company in the Cholon area of Saigon. His unit was engaged in fierce house-to-house fighting, and Specialist Jones repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile fire to call in gunships and direct their strikes by throwing smoke grenades into the midst of enemy locations. On 12 May the first platoon was pinned down by a large Viet Cong force. After calling in artillery and gunships, Specialist Jones led a fire team in an assault against the heavily fortified enemy positions, personally killing two of the communists with rifle fire. Then, to save his team which had become trapped under the intense enemy fusillade, he charged four bunkers and destroyed them with hand grenades. As he was about to throw another grenade, he was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. His actions enabled his comrades to regroup and overrun the aggressors. Specialist Four Jones' 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. 5036 (October 31, 1968)
Home Town: Quincy, Illinois

*JONES, GARY C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Gary C. Jones (0-5328782), 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 D, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Jones distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 February 1968 as commander of an infantry company conducting a combat mission near Lan Trung. His unit made contact with an estimated battalion of Viet Cong occupying an entrenched and heavily fortified bunker complex in a woodline. Following artillery strikes on the enemy, Lieutenant Jones deployed his troops and led a fierce assault across an open field, which was the only avenue of approach. Nearing the woodline, the company was subjected to withering automatic weapons, small arms and rocket fire from the concealed insurgents. Lieutenant Jones fearlessly exposed himself to the savage fusillade as he directed his men to return fires and move to the sparse protection of a nearby berm. He quickly regrouped his troops, positioned them on line and led a second assault on the Viet Cong. Heedless of a hail of bullets striking all around him, he gallantly pressed the attack. Lieutenant Jones was mortally wounded while shouting words of encouragement and directing devastating fire on the insurgent fortifications. His dauntless and inspiring leadership in close combat contributed immeasurably to the subsequent defeat of the numerically superior enemy force. First Lieutenant Jones' 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. 2001 (May 2, 1968)
Home Town: East Point, Georgia

*JONES, HORATIO LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Horatio Lee Jones (RA10852285), 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, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Jones distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 December 1967 while serving as machine gunner of an infantry unit during a savage attack on its camp near Bo Tuc. During the early morning hours, his unit was subjected to an intense barrage of Viet Cong mortars and rockets combined with a fanatical human wave assault. His position received heavy small arms and rocket fire which was so accurate it destroyed his machine gun, seriously wounded him, and killed his assistant gunner. Despite his wound, Specialist Jones grabbed a rifle, led his remaining crew member through a hail of bullets to a strategically located bunker, and continued the defense of the camp. The insurgents unleashed a furious, determined assault on the fortifications. An enemy hand grenade landed directly in the bunker and, knowing that it would go off at any second, Specialist Jones reached for the grenade. Realizing he did not have time to throw it out of the bunker, he courageously pulled the grenade to himself an smothered the explosion with his body. He was instantly killed while gallantly and unselfishly saving the life of his fellow soldier. Specialist Four Jones' 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. 776 (February 20, 1968)
Home Town: Detroit, Michigan

JONES, KYLE D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Kyle D. Jones (US53756185), 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, 506th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Sergeant Jones distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 August 1968 while serving as a squad leader during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Cu Chi. His company made contact with a firmly entrenched battalion of North Vietnamese regulars and in the initial burst of fire both his platoon leader and platoon sergeant were wounded. Immediately assuming command, Sergeant Jones maneuvered his men forward to place effective fire upon the enemy. Seeing five soldiers who had been wounded as they assaulted an enemy bunker, he fearlessly crawled through the hostile barrage and silenced the bunker with hand grenades. He then made two trips into the exposed area and with the aid of a comrade rescued all five men. As the other companies of his battalion arrived and encircled the North Vietnamese, the communists massed in front of his platoon attempting to overrun it. Skillfully directing gun ship and artillery support and the fires of his men, three assaults were repelled. After running across two hundred meters of fire-swept terrain to obtain another radio when his own equipment malfunctioned, he returned to his unit and continued to adjust artillery rounds with deadly accuracy. However, a fourth human wave assault could not be completely halted by his battle-weary troops and he directed them to withdraw. As his men moved to regroup, he remained behind to cover their withdrawal, rejoining them only after every man was safely away. Sergeant Jones' 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. 305 (January 28, 1969)

JONES, MALVIN E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Malvin E. Jones, 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 Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Private First Class Jones distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 February 1969. His 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. 2128 (1969)

*JORDAN, DANIEL WALTER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Daniel Walter Jordan (OF-107168), 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 (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate). First Lieutenant Jordan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 July 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an airborne infantry platoon on a combat mission near Dak To. Late in the afternoon, the lead platoon of Lieutenant Jordan's company was attacked and pinned down by heavy automatic weapons fire from a well-entrenched Viet Cong force. He received an order to maneuver his men in a flank attack on the insurgents to relieve the attack pressure on the engaged element. Because of poor radio contact, he was forced to run through areas exposed to hostile fire to coordinate with his commander. He then returned to his men and braved constant hostile fire to organize his man and lead them forward. For a half hour, Lieutenant Jordan made repeated trips to the command post to report his element's progress and receive instructions. He moved among his men, calming and encouraging them, although this forced him to expose himself many times to the enemy's weapons. Under his leadership, the platoon was able to advance to a position from which to assault the Viet Cong machine gun positions. While courageously leading his men against the numerically superior insurgent force, he was mortally wounded. First Lieutenant Jordan'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. 4802 (September 21, 1967)
Home Town: Griffith, Indiana

*JORDON, ORVAL CLYDE, III
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Orval Clyde Jordon, III (338-42-2364), 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 A, 8th Battalion, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Jordon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1969 while serving as cannoneer of a battery near Bing Duong. In the early morning hours an enemy force subjected the compound to an intense mortar and ground assault. During the attack, Specialist Jordon observed a hostile round strike the parapet of a nearby howitzer emplacement, creating a fire in the ammunition storage area. Leaving the safety of his bunker, he rushed through the lethal barrage and began fighting the blaze. When the conflagration increased, he courageously began removing the stacks of 105 millimeter projectiles. As he was moving one of the last rounds from the flaming bin, the shell exploded suddenly, causing his immediate death. Specialist Four Jordon'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. 2499 (July 11, 1969)
Home Town: Hickory Hills, Illinois

JOUBERT, DONALD L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald L. Joubert, First 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, 3d Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). First Sergeant Joubert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 May 1969 while participating in an operation in the A Shau Valley. Numerous attempts by allied forces to take enemy-held Dong Ap Bia Mountain were met with fierce resistance by the well-entrenched adversary. On 20 May 1969, Sergeant Joubert's company was making a final assault on the enemy's hill fortifications. Slowed by intense automatic weapons fire and barrages of rocket-propelled grenades, the unit was taking heavy casualties. From the lead ranks, Sergeant Joubert determined which hostile position was obstructing immediate progress. While the platoon laid down suppressive cover fire, he advanced and fired on the position until its resistance was eliminated. Returning to the company, he provided for the evacuation of the wounded and encouraged his troops for continuing the assault. Though wounded at this time by a bursting rocket-propelled grenade, he refused evacuation. When he received word that the company commander had been wounded, he made his way under fire to the rear command platoon and moved it to join with the front elements. The assault on the enemy was now renewed, but progress was again blocked by bunker machine gun fire. Crawling close to the hostile emplacement, Sergeant Joubert hurled fragmentation grenades on the fortification and silenced the deadly fire. Unobstructed, the company then moved on the remaining enemy positions and overtook them. First Sergeant Joubert'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. 3453 (September 8, 1969)

JUDKINS, ROY E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Roy E. Judkins, Specialist Sixth 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, 184th Ordnance Battalion. Specialist Six Judkins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 4 through 8 December 1968 while serving as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team member in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist 6 Judkins distinguished himself by sustained heroic actions by twice participating in surgical procedures involving armed and dangerous explosive ordnance. Specialist Judkins selflessly entered operating rooms to remove 40-mm. grenades from the extremities of wounded Republic of Vietnam personnel. He also, without regard for his own safety, exposed himself to enemy fire while extracting another soldier from a minefield. Specialist Judkins' action, personal bravery, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Department of the Army, General Orders 9, 18 November 2005

*JUSTINIANO, VICTOR A., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Victor A. Justiniano, Jr. (RA11823037), 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 B, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Private First Class Justiniano distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 March 1968 as the medic of an infantry platoon conducting a search and destroy mission in the central highlands near Kontum. the patrol was following the trail of a wounded North Vietnamese soldier when it came under a heavy automatic weapons and rocket attack. The enemy was only ten meters to the front, entrenched in a reinforced bunker complex. Two men of the point element were wounded in the initial volley of fire. With complete disregard for his safety, Private Justiniano moved forward to aid them. As he advanced, he was wounded several times by automatic weapons fire and shrapnel from an exploding rocket. Ignoring his wounds, he crawled forward and finally reached the position where his two comrades lay exposed to enemy fire. He moved one man to safety and treated him. He then returned for the other soldier who was almost directly in front of an enemy position. As he attempted to rescue the casualty, Private Justiniano was mortally wounded. Private First Class Justiniano'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. 3600 (July 26, 1968)
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