David Peter Hellenbrand

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)