Joe Walter Grigsby

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joe Walter Grigsby (RA17747706), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop C, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Grigsby distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 February 1968 as machine gunner of an armored personnel carrier on a reaction mission. An Infantry unit had been heavily engaged by a Viet Cong force, and Private Grigsby’s troop was called to reinforce the beleaguered soldiers. As his vehicle arrived at the battle site, it received a direct hit by an enemy anti-tank rocket and burst into flames. Private Grigsby was wounded by flying shrapnel from the exploding rocket, but fearlessly remained on the burning personnel carrier and delivered a devastating hail of machine gun fire into hostile positions. As another track drew near to evacuate the casualties, he removed a seriously wounded crew member from his disabled vehicle and administered skillful first aid. He was assisting the casualty into the second personnel carrier when it was also struck by rocket fire. Private Grigsby, with his own body, unhesitatingly shielded his wounded comrade to protect him from the explosion and ravaging enemy small arms fusillade which followed. He was mortally wounded while gallantly and unselfishly placing the welfare of a fellow soldier above his own in the heat of battle. Private First Class Grigsby’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. 2000 (May 2, 1968)