Edward W. Monnick III

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edward W. Monnick, III (RA12887228), 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, 2d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Monnick distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 May 1968 as a squad leader during a reconnaissance-in-force mission south of Song Be. His squad received heavy automatic weapons fire while advancing through an abandoned rubber plantation. Several assaults were made on the enemy position, but each of them was unsuccessful. Specialist Monnick then maneuvered alone through dense jungle to the source of the hostile barrage, which he discovered to be a bunker with heavy overhead cover. Coming within inches of the emplacement’s firing port, he threw grenades inside, but the enemy fire continued. Again braving a hail of bullets coming from the bunker, he threw two more grenades into it which caused one side of the fortification to collapse. Still its weapons were not silenced. Specialist Monnick next employed a grenade launcher against the bunker, firing rounds into it from an exposed position. This was also unsuccessful, so he engaged the enemy with his rifle. In a final assault, Specialist Monnick tossed another grenade into the bunker which completely destroyed its overhead structure. Then, with the aid of two of his comrades, he eliminated the remaining resistance with rifle fire. Specialist Four Monnick’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. 4330 (September 11, 1968)