Orval Clyde Jordon III

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)