James Warren Liebespeck

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Warren Liebespeck (RA27551259), 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 588th Engineer Battalion (Combat). Staff Sergeant Liebespeck distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on a minesweeping operation near Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 May 1968. Sergeant Liebespeck was serving as a squad leader in a Combat Engineer company and was sweeping a heavily traveled main supply route to allow re-supply convoys to move through. In the process of the mine sweep Sergeant Liebespeck found a large piece of metal. He checked for booby traps and then raised the medal, exposing and activating a grenade. Sergeant Liebespeck, hearing a warning from a fellow squad member, dropped the piece of metal. Approximately four steps away and nearing safety, Sergeant Liebespeck, recognizing the danger to his men, turned and ran back to the grenade. As he reached to pick it up the grenade exploded. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, he averted possible loss of life and injury to the members of his squad. Sergeant Liebespeck’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. 80 (December 16, 1968)