Preston Rowser

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Preston Rowser (RA16622409), Sergeant First 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Rowser distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 February 1969 during a mortar and ground attack against Patrol Base Diamond. While Sergeant Rowser was pouring fire into the advancing enemy, a rocket-propelled grenade destroyed his bunker and wounded him in the neck, shoulder and chest. Making his way through the communists’ fusillade to a secondary defensive position, he began placing accurate fire on a number of aggressors who had succeeded in breaching the perimeter. Although exposed to a hail of bullets and in pain from his wounds, he succeeded in killing six of the foe and pinning down the others until artillery and gun ships raked the enemy-held sector. He then organized a counterattack, braving continuing hostile mortar, rocket-propelled grenade and machine gun fire to throw hand grenades and fire his rifle at the remaining infiltrators. Once the bunker line was restored, Sergeant Rowser helped evacuate casualties and led a sweep along the perimeter. Sergeant First Class Rowser’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. 1752 (May 15, 1969)