Vietnam War Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross

To All Who Shall See These Presents Greeting:

This is to Certify that
The President of the United States of America
Takes Pride in Presenting

THE
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
to

ABERNATHY, JOE V.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Joe V. Abernathy (0-5351930), First Lieutenant (Infantry), 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 B Company, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry, 1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized). First Lieutenant Abernathy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 October 1968 while serving as a platoon leader on a battalion search and clear mission in enemy held territory of northern I Corps. One of the companies encountered a formidable maze of enemy fortifications scattered among hedgerows and bamboo thickets. The enemy initiated a massive attack which pinned down the unit. In an effort to relieve the imperiled and hard-pressed company, Lieutenant Abernathy led his platoon in a charge up a steep hill, overrunning three mortar installations. During his assault, he personally shot and killed three North Vietnamese at point-blank range. Reconsolidating his platoon, he pressed on, covering two hundred meters before severe strafing fire deterred his advance. A quick evaluation revealed a single well-camouflaged battlement from which the automatic weapon salvos erupted. He immediately directed the firing of a light antitank weapon on the position. Then, braving hazardous barrages and sniper fire, he and two other men assaulted and overpowered the bunker. First Lieutenant Abernathy'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. 2029 (June 9, 1969)

ABOOD, EDMUND PETER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edmund Peter Abood (0-89022), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), 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, 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Lieutenant Colonel Abood distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 August 1967 while serving as Commanding Officer of an airborne infantry battalion on an airmobile assault mission deep in hostile territory. During the assault, Colonel Abood flew low through heavy ground fire to mark the landing zone and direct air strikes on enemy positions. Several helicopters were shot down and his craft received numerous hits, but he continued to brave intense Viet Cong machine gun fire until all elements had landed. Once on the ground, he moved through sniper fire to designate defensive positions to his men. A smoke grenade set the dry elephant grass in the area ablaze, but he exposed himself time after time to withering volleys to organize fire-fighting teams and stop the approaching flames. A short time later enemy tracers started a fire around his artillery position on an adjacent hill. Completely ignoring machine gun fire and flying shrapnel, he moved to the position to direct evacuation of his men. He single-handedly rescued a man overcome by the heat and carried him to safety. Throughout the night he moved along the perimeter fully exposed to enemy fire to direct his men in repelling repeated hostile probes. Mortar rounds and rifle fire struck all around him, but he remained in the open encouraging his men. In the morning he directed infiltration operations of his men to a more secure area. Throughout the evacuation he constantly remained exposed to persistent sniper fire all around him. His courageous actions and leadership prevented loss of men or equipment to the insurgents. Lieutenant Colonel Abood'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. 4968 (September 28, 1967)
Born: at Brooklyn, New York

ADDERLY, TYRONE J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Tyrone J. Adderly, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism and risk of life on 21 November 1970 while serving as a member of a Joint United States Task Force with the mission of rescuing American military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay, North Vietnam. While participating in the operation, Sergeant Adderly, a gunner and ground guide for one of the command elements, came under heavy fire as the element approached the enemy complex. With complete disregard for his own life, Sergeant Adderly advanced against the hostile position and neutralized the enemy with highly accurate M-79 grenade fire. As the force moved into the complex, Sergeant Adderly once again came under heavy automatic weapons fire. Unhesitatingly, he assaulted the enemy position and eliminated the threat to the force. His valorous actions contributed greatly to the successful conduct of the assigned mission without the loss of a single American life. Sergeant First Class Adderly's extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit on him and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 32 (July 13, 1971)

ADKINS, BENNIE G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Bennie G. Adkins (RA54193612), 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 Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Adkins distinguished himself during the period 9 March 1966 to 12 March 1966 during combat operations at Camp A Shau, Republic of Vietnam. When the camp was attacked by a large Viet Cong force, Sergeant First Class Adkins rushed through intense hostile fire and manned a mortar position. Although he was wounded, he ran through exploding mortar rounds and dragged several of his comrades to safety. When the hostile fire subsided, Sergeant First Class Adkins exposed himself to sporadic sniper fire and carried his wounded comrades to the camp dispensary. During the evacuation of a seriously wounded American, Sergeant First Class Adkins maneuvered outside the camp walls to draw fire and successfully covered the rescue. During the early morning hours of 10 March 1966, a Viet Cong regiment launched their main attack. Within two hours, Sergeant First Class Adkins was the only man firing a mortar weapon. Although he was painfully wounded and most of his crew was killed or wounded, he fought off the fanatical waves of attacking Viet Cong. After withdrawing to a communications bunker where several Americans were attempting to fight off a company of Viet Cong, Sergeant First Class Adkins killed numerous insurgents with his suppressive fire. Running extremely low on ammunition, he returned to the mortar pit, gathered the vital ammunition, and ran through intense fire back to the communications bunker. After being ordered to evacuate the camp, all signal equipment and classified documents were destroyed. Sergeant First Class Adkins and a small group of men fought their way out of the camp and evaded the Viet Cong for two days until they were rescued by a helicopter. Sergeant First Class Adkins' extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force was 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. 1957 (April 30, 1967)

AGUIRRE, JIMMY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jimmy Aguirre (RA15955856), Specialist Fifth 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, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Five Aguirre distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 December 1967 as platoon medic of an infantry company conducting a waterborne reconnaissance mission in Dinh Tuong Province. The unit was patrolling a small canal aboard armored troop carriers when it was violently ambushed by an estimated Viet Cong heavy weapons company deployed on both sides of the canal. Specialist Aguirre's platoon immediately landed and led an assault on the enemy through a barrage of rocket, automatic weapons and rifle grenade fire. Hearing cries for medical aid from two comrades who had fallen fifty meters from his position, Specialist Aguirre raced across a bullet swept open field toward the casualties. He was hit and painfully sounded by fragments from an exploding enemy rocket. Ignoring his wounds he fired at the insurgents as he continued to move through the withering hostile fusillade. Upon reaching the wounded men, Specialist Aguirre skillfully administered first aid and moved them to a position of relative safety. He then returned to the battlefield and maneuvered toward two more casualties. Although wounded again by automatic weapons fire and flying shrapnel, he treated the soldiers and pulled them to cover. Detecting yet another wounded comrade lying near the Viet Cong positions, Specialist Aguirre refused medical aid for himself and crawled toward the smitten man. He was struck a third time by rocket fragments, but gallantly moved forward in the face of devastating fire and dragged his comrade to safety. Despite the pain of over fifty separate shrapnel and bullet wounds, he saved the lives of five unit members through sheer determination. Specialist Five Aguirre'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. 1414 (March 29, 1968)

*ALAMO, GABRIEL RALPH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Gabriel Ralph Alamo, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving an opposing armed force in the Republic of Viet Nam on 6 July 1964. As a team Sergeant, serving with the United States Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong, Sergeant Alamo displayed bravery, fortitude, and perseverance when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full scale, pre dawn attack on the Camp. During the violent battle that ensued, lasting five hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, he participated with outstanding effectiveness in defending the installation. Upon the initial onslaught, he promptly directed a radio operator to transmit a message requesting support, and then rushed into a blazing building to assist in the removal of weapons and ammunition. Ignoring the burns he received while in the burning structure, he then ran through a hail of enemy gunfire to a 60-mm. mortar position and set the weapon for firing. As he noticed the enemy attempting to breach the main gate, he again dashed through a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire to abort the hostile action. Although he sustained a serious wound in this courageous action, he demonstrated superhuman effort, reached the gate, and prevented entry of enemy troops. Despite his wound, and intense grenade attack, he reached the 60- mm. mortar pit, refused evacuation for medical treatment, ad directed the fire of the 60-mm. mortar while simultaneously manning a 57-mm. recoilless rifle. Undaunted by the vicious enemy assault, he remained at his battle position and defended the camp until mortally wounded by the enemy. Sergeant Alamo's valiant efforts and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (March 9, 1965)
Home Town: Lyndhurst, New Jersey

ALLEN, GEORGE C. D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George C. D. Allen (RA14686265), 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 Detachment A-223, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Staff Sergeant Allen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 and 11 May 1968 while serving as a Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese mobile strike force on a search and clear operation in the 506 Valley near Camp Ha Tay. His unit was attacked from three sides by an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion armed with mortars, small arms and automatic weapons. The battle had raged for an hour when the friendly force's commander was killed. Sergeant Allen took command immediately and led an assault on the enemy troops, routing them from an area which was suitable for a landing zone. Remaining exposed to intense hostile fire, he then directed the helicopter evacuation of his casualties and the unloading of a badly needed ammunition re-supply. Moving from platoon to platoon, he next insured that each of his men had received ammunition, and he then directed air strikes, gunship runs and artillery fire around his besieged company. As the situation grew more critical, he organized his men for a breakout, led them through a hail of enemy fire coming from positions as near as ten feet, and succeeded in joining with a sister company which was also under heavy attack. In the early morning hours of 11 May the combined elements came under an intense ground assault and mortar fire. As the casualties mounted, Sergeant Allen soon found himself in command of both companies. He also discovered that all radios had been damaged, leaving his force without vital communications. Ignoring his own safety, Sergeant Allen moved through a hail of fire to collect four of the radios and from these he pieced together one which was operative. Again exposing himself to the relentless barrage, he then directed his artillery to within fifty meters of his perimeter, forcing the North Vietnamese to withdraw. Staff Sergeant Allen'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. 4251 (September 9, 1968)

ALLEN, HULON C., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Hulon C. Allen, Jr. (0-5334633), First Lieutenant (Military Police Corps), 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, 716th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Group, 18th Military Police Brigade. First Lieutenant Allen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 December 1968 while checking security posts at night in the Gia Dinh area of Saigon. As he was traveling by jeep between posts, he was struck on the shoulder by a grenade. Immediately shouting a warning to two other passengers, he attempted to toss the grenade, but was unable to grasp it as it rolled around on the floor of the moving vehicle. Throwing himself on the deadly missile, he shielded his comrades until they escaped. He then jumped from the jeep and managed to dive for cover just as the grenade exploded. First Lieutenant Allen'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. 141 (January 13, 1969)

ALLEN, LAWRENCE W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lawrence W. Allen, 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 Company C, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Platoon Sergeant Allen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 June 1969 during a sweep operation fifteen miles northeast of Tay Ninh. Encountering hostile fire from a wood line, the company placed its armored personnel carriers on line and advanced toward the enemy positions. Sergeant Allen moved from man to man directing their assault. When his radio- telephone operator was wounded, Sergeant Allen relieved him of the radio and carried it throughout the ensuing battle. While assaulting an enemy bunker, he was wounded by grenade fragmentation, but he continued toward the fortification until he could silence it with accurately-thrown grenades. As the batted raged on, Sergeant Allen observed an armored vehicle receive a rocket-propelled grenade. Without hesitation, he dashed through a curtain of hostile fire to reach the damaged personnel carrier. Removing the wounded gunner, he manned the fifty-caliber machine gun and unleashed a fusillade of suppressive fire so intense that other men were able to approach the track and evacuate the wounded. After relinquishing the machine gun, he returned to his men who were pinned down by machine gun fire from a nearby bunker. Sergeant Allen and one of his men stormed the machine gun emplacement. When the other man was wounded, Sergeant Allen continued until, he too, was shot. Despite the painful wounds, Sergeant Allen crawled forward and threw a grenade into the bunker. Platoon Sergeant Allen'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. 3400 (September 4, 1969)

*ALLEN, TERRY DELAMESA, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Terry DeLaMesa Allen, Jr. (0-66606), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), 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, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Allen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 October 1967 while serving as Commanding Officer of an infantry battalion on a search and destroy operation near Chon Thanh. While moving to locate a suspected enemy base camp, a forward patrol of his unit detected a lone Viet Cong soldier and noises that indicated others were in the area. The element immediately deployed in an attempt to engage the insurgents. It was suddenly attacked by a large enemy force, and Colonel Allen quickly positioned the remainder of his men in a defensive perimeter, established radio contact with the beleaguered patrol, and ordered its withdrawal to his position so that artillery and air strikes could be directed on the hostile positions. As the forward element began to pull back, the main force's flank was savagely attacked with devastating automatic weapons, rocket and claymore weapons fire. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Colonel Allen repeatedly exposed himself to the withering barrage and moved among his men, skillfully directing the defenses and encouraging his troops to fight fiercely against the determined attackers. Accurate concentrations of enemy fire inflicted numerous casualties to his men and he was seriously wounded himself, but he refused medical attention and remained in the open to control the defenses and the movement of the forward element which was still attempting to join his main force. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men in the face of overwhelming odds. His fearless actions in the heat of battle inspired his unit to staunchly defend its critical position until reinforcements arrived and the hostile forces were decisively defeated. Lieutenant Colonel Allen'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. 6615 (December 26, 1967)
Home Town: El Paso, Texas

ALLEY, LEE B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lee B. Alley (0-5233466), First Lieutenant (Armor), 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, 5th Battalion (Mechanized), 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Alley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 November 1967 as leader of a platoon providing security for a fire support base in Ding Tuong Province. In the early morning hours, a Viet Cong battalion directed a coordinated mortar and ground attack on the platoon's perimeter. The numerically superior enemy soon closed on the unit's position, and Lieutenant alley decided to withdraw to a more defensible location near the artillery camp which was across a river. Braving savage fire, he exposed himself to the enemy weapons and directed his men to the stream, personally pulling a wounded comrade to the bank. Completely disregarding his safety, he then returned to his original position and poured murderous fire into the advancing enemy ranks to cover the movement of his troops. Heedless of a painful wound, he fought furiously until he ran out of ammunition. After obtaining another weapon and grenades, he continued his valiant fight until his men reached safety. He then maneuvered to join them and, after crossing the river, he sighted four soldiers remaining on the opposite side who were pinned down by heavy fire. Lieutenant Alley returned through a curtain of bullets to reach them and lead them back across the river to the new perimeter. He then directed ravaging air, artillery and gunship strikes on the insurgents which forced them to flee the battlefield in disorder. First Lieutenant Alley'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. 2385 (May 20, 1968)

*ALVARADO, LEONARD LOUIS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Leonard Louis Alvarado (555-70-3674), 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 D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Specialist Four Alvarado distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 August 1969 while serving as a rifleman during a mission to relieve a beleaguered sister platoon in Phuoc Long Province. As he and other members of the small reaction force moved through dense jungle, Specialist Alvarado detected enemy movement and opened fire. Despite his quick reaction, he and his comrades were quickly pinned down by the hostile force that blocked the path to the trapped platoon. Specialist Alvarado quickly moved forward through the hostile machine gun fire in order to engage the enemy troops. Suddenly an enemy grenade exploded nearby, wounding and momentarily stunning him. Retaliating immediately, he killed the grenadier just as another enemy barrage wounded him again. He crawled forward through the fusillade to pull several comrades back within the hastily-formed perimeter. Realizing that his element must break away from the hostile force, he began maneuvering forward alone. Though repeatedly thrown to the ground by exploding satchel charges, he continued advancing and firing, silencing several emplacements, including one enemy machine gun position. From his dangerous forward position, he persistently laid suppressive fire on the hostile forces, and after the enemy troops had broken contact, his comrades discovered that he had succumbed to his wounds. Specialist Four Alvarado'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. 3942 (October 23, 1969)
Home Town: Bakersfield, California

AMES, LAWRENCE J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lawrence J. Ames, 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 Advisory Team 17, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Ames distinguished himself while serving as Operations/Intelligence Advisor, Tra Bong District, Quang Nai Province. During the early morning hours of 8 September 1970, the Tra Bong District Headquarters came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and motor attack. Sergeant Ames and his teammates in the sleeping quarters responded immediately to the initial trust of the assault by maneuvering quickly to a bunker along the compound's perimeter. Upon reaching the entrenchment, Sergeant Ames observed that many of his comrades had sustained injuries and were without medical supplies. Despite the peril presented by impacting motor rounds in the vicinity of the team house, Sergeant Ames raced to his quarters to secure an emergency first aid kit, returning to the bunker amid a hail of bullets. After assuring that the wounded would be cared for, Sergeant Ames learned that the unit's radioman had been knocked from his feet in a blast and was forced to abandon the transmitter due to the heavy volume of hostile fire directed at him. Without hesitation, the sergeant exposed himself to volleys of enemy motor rounds and small arms bullets as he sprinted to the area in which the radio had been dropped. Sergeant Ames was unsuccessful in his search and was forced to return to the bunker. Realizing the dire necessity for the establishment of radio communications, Sergeant Ames once again ventured from the security of the entrenchment to locate the transmitter. Ignoring the myriad motor rounds falling around him, the sergeant searched the fire swept area and returned to the safety of the bunker only when he had possession of the radio. The blast had damaged a vital part of the transmitter, rendering it inoperable. Undaunted, Sergeant Ames raced from his secure position to the team house and retrieved the necessary electronic component. At this point the battle reached its crescendo. Every officer in the unit had been incapacitated by wounds, leaving the men without leadership. Sergeant Ames immediately took charge of the faltering troops and through his intrepid example, inspired his beleaguered comrades to rally and overcome the foe, forcing the enemy to retreat. Sergeant Ames' 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. 129 (January 14, 1971)

ANAGNOSOTOPOULOS, JAMES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James Anagnosotopoulos (US27895175), Private 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, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Private First Class Anagnosotopoulos distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 February 1968 while serving as a company medic during a search and destroy operation southwest of Kontum City. Contact was made with a North Vietnamese Army company, and several members of his unit's lead element were wounded in the first moments of the ensuing fire fight. Despite heavy concentrations of automatic weapons fire, Private Anagnosotopoulos raced across one hundred and fifty meters of open terrain to treat his wounded comrades. After pulling a seriously injured platoon leader to cover and giving him first aid, he moved forward to three casualties who were within ten meters of an enemy machine gun. As he worked on the wounded the North Vietnamese machine gunner raised up and began firing on his position. Private Anagnosotopoulos killed the enemy soldier with his pistol. He then completed giving aid to the three men and also treated two new casualties amid hostile sniper fire and hand grenades directed against him. He next organized the evacuation of his patients to a helicopter landing zone, personally carrying three of the wounded through the continuing enemy fire. When heavy fighting erupted a second time, Private Anagnosotopoulos rushed across one hundred meters of exposed land and aided in the rescue of five more wounded comrades. Private First Class Anagnosotopoulos' 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. 4758 (October 14, 1968)

ANDERSON, ANTHONY C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Anthony C. Anderson, 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 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, attached to the United States Army Vietnam Training Advisory Group (TF1AE), U.S. Army Vietnam Training Support Headquarters. Sergeant Anderson distinguished himself on 7 August 1971 while serving as the assistant leader of a small reconnaissance team operating deep within enemy territory. On that date, his small team came under assault by enemy heavy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and rocket fire. Sergeant Anderson returned such a volume of M-60 machine gun fire that he single-handedly drove the assaulting enemy force back. While the enemy was regrouping, he quickly placed his team members in strategic locations to ward off the inevitable attack. During the ensuing battle, he expertly directed his portion of the team in returning heavy suppressive fire while he returned a deadly volume of machine gun fire himself. He then returned a heavy barrage of hand grenade fire upon the advancing enemy force in an attempt to repel their assault. As the enemy force threw hand grenades at his position, Sergeant Anderson began picking the grenades up and throwing them back. Although wounded by an enemy grenade, he led his portion of the team in returning a volume of fire upon the enemy force, successfully gaining fire superiority and driving them back once again. When his team leader had been fatally wounded, Sergeant Anderson assumed command of the team and ordered them to prepare for extraction, providing them with heavy cover fire. With the aid of air strikes, the small team successfully suppressed the heavy enemy fire to sporadic shots. Sergeant Anderson then remained on the ground providing the extraction craft and the remainder of the team with heavy cover fire before he himself was extracted. His bravery and expert leadership abilities were directly responsible for repelling the repeated enemy assaults and preventing the enemy force from overrunning his entire team. Sergeant Anderson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3395 (November 30, 1971)

*ANDRADE, KENNETH SOARES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Kenneth Soares Andrade (RA29045072), 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 Company A, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Platoon Sergeant Andrade distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 February 1968 as acting platoon leader during an attack on his unit's perimeter near Dak To. While providing defense for the battalion fire base, his unit was subjected to a savage ground assault by a large North Vietnamese Army force. Sergeant Andrade exposed himself to deadly automatic weapons, grenade and small arms fire and moved around his perimeter shouting commands, pointing out targets and giving words of encouragement to his men. As he rose to move one of the more seriously wounded men to the ambulance helicopter landing zone, an enemy grenade landed near him. Sergeant Andrade picked up the grenade and threw it back at several enemy soldiers who were firing from behind a large tree to his front. He then picked up the wounded man and carried him across the perimeter to the landing zone under a hail of bullets. As he returned to the fight, a grenade exploded nearby, mortally wounding him. His valiant and selfless leadership inspired his men to greater efforts and they defeated the determined enemy. Platoon Sergeant Andrade'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. 2874 (June 17, 1968)
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii

ARCHIBALD, ROBERT S.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert S. Archibald (US56828431), 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 C, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). Specialist Four Archibald distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 31 January 1968 as radio telephone operator of an infantry unit on a combat mission near Ho Nai. When a long range reconnaissance patrol sighted a large enemy force moving toward his brigade's base camp, Specialist Archibald's unit moved to engage the Viet Cong. A raging battle ensured, and his force was greatly outnumbered. Fighting furiously, the friendly forces pushed the Viet Cong back. Specialist Archibald and two comrades had just crossed a cemetery when enemy elements attacked from a position in open graves. Disregarding his personal safety, he moved from the security of a ditch and took up a position behind a partially destroyed pillar. Calling for grenades from his comrades, he stepped into the open and threw one at the enemy position delivering the heaviest fire. The insurgents threw them back, and it exploded nearby. After throwing two more grenades and having them thrown back, he charged the open grave and killed four insurgents with deadly fire. The Viet Cong concentrated a withering barrage on him, but he fearlessly and methodically moved through the cemetery and routed the enemy from their positions. Braving a hail of fire, he personally killed twelve Viet Cong with accurate bursts from his weapon. His fearless actions were instrumental in overwhelming the insurgents and forcing them to withdraw. Specialist Four Archibald'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. 2691 (June 5, 1968)

ARMENT, DIXON G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Dixon G. Arment (RA16722766), 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. On 5 October 1965, Specialist Arment was accompanying his unit, Company A, 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade, on a search and destroy mission in the vicinity of Bien Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. The battalion soon came under a heavy insurgent attack and Specialist Arment's platoon was given the mission of making a flanking assault to destroy several hostile machine gun emplacements which were directing extremely accurate fire into the battalion positions. As the platoon maneuvered forward, it was subjected to a deadly hail of Viet Cong automatic weapons fire which split the friendly force into two separate groups. As the battle raged on, Specialist Arment's small group fought to within close range of the insurgent trenches and observed that a contingent of Viet Cong reinforcements were moving into the area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Specialist Arment quickly charged into the midst of the advancing hostile force, despite a murderous barrage of grenades and automatic weapons fire which immediately engulfed him, and continued to move forward to within inches of the insurgent machine guns, killing seven insurgents and completely disrupting the Viet Cong's reinforcement attempt. Notwithstanding the fact that he was wounded by a burst of hostile fire which hit him in the face, Specialist Arment continued to place devastating fire upon the insurgents until he was ordered to the rear for medical treatment. Despite painful wounds, he returned again and again to the battle area, carrying ammunition and aiding the evacuation of wounded personnel. Specialist Arment's extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 45 (February 28, 1966)

ARMSTRONG, LESTER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lester Armstrong (RA55646856), 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 Company C, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Sergeant Armstrong distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 November 1966 while serving as squad leader of a unit during a search and destroy mission near Tay Ninh. While moving forward to augment the fire of another American unit, his platoon became pinned down by the fire of a Viet Cong machine gun emplacement. As the platoon maneuvered, six insurgents flanked them and stopped their assault. At this time, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Armstrong grabbed a machine gun and charged directly into the intense hostile fire. Although wounded, he increased his fire and killed the six protecting the bunker. He then attacked the machine gun bunker, killing three insurgents. Through his courage, his unit advanced without further casualties. Sergeant Armstrong'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. 6880 (December 16, 1966)

ARMSTRONG, ROBERT E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert E. Armstrong, 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 C, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Armstrong distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 March 1959 while serving as a radio- telephone operator during a combat sweep operation south of Hill 947 near Polei Kleng in Kontum Province. While making assessments of friendly air strikes in the area, Specialist Armstrong's platoon came under attack from a North Vietnamese force using grenades, rifles and rockets. Realizing that the enemy had surrounded the platoon, the Company Commander set up a hasty perimeter. Suddenly a rocket hit the command post directly, killing or wounding all the officers and noncommissioned officers. Although wounded himself, Specialist Armstrong took charge of the element, reorganizing defensive positions and setting up aid for casualties. He then established radio contact with the battalion operations center and guided in artillery and air support. When two other platoons from his unit came to relieve the beleaguered element, Specialist Armstrong directed them against the weakest of the enemy's positions. With coordinated efforts, the two platoons broke through the encircling hostile force to reinforce Specialist Armstrong's perimeter. With the threat of being overrun reduced, Specialist Armstrong proceeded to carry the wounded to the temporary landing zone. Braving the heavy fire again and again, he led parties to the evacuation site, and only after all the other wounded were extracted did he allow himself to be treated for his wounds. Specialist Four Armstrong'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. 3905 (October 18, 1969)

*ARONHALT, CHARLES E., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Charles E. Aronhalt, Jr. (0-5226952), First Lieutenant (Infantry), 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, 8th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Aronhalt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 May 1967 while serving as platoon leader during a search and destroy mission in Pleiku Province. When another platoon of his company received devastating fire, Lieutenant Aronhalt requested that his platoon be sent to aid the stricken unit. As he led his men forward, however, the entire company began receiving intense fire from numerous concealed positions. Lieutenant Aronhalt tried to pull his men back, but they were unable to leave their cover. Since the platoon couldn't maneuver in any direction, he positioned his machine guns to strengthen the unit's defensive posture. He tried to form a perimeter, but was prevented by the hostile fire sweeping his positions. Seeing several wounded men, Lieutenant Aronhalt again tried to move his men forward. Unable to do this, he personally fought his way through the intense crossfire and began pulling the wounded to safety. He repeatedly entered the exposed area and fought his way out with wounded men over his shoulder. Seeing that casualties were mounting faster than he could carry them out, he stood up and charged the insurgents alone. His rifle jammed as he ran, but he picked up a machine gun and continued charging and firing steadily to give his men a chance to withdraw. Lieutenant Aronhalt was mortally wounded in the successful attempt at drawing the fire from his men. His valiant actions prevented the Viet Cong from taking the lime of any one of his men. First Lieutenant Aronhalt'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. 3832 (July 27, 1967)
Home Town: Cumberland, Maryland

*ARSENAULT, RICHARD ROLAND
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard Roland Arsenault (024-32-4569), 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 Advisory Team, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Arsenault distinguished himself on 26 May 1972 while serving as the Operations/Intelligence advisor on a combat operation with the 12th Regional Force Group in Duc Hue District, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. As the 12th Group moved to link up with a friendly unit, an entrenched company size enemy force prepared to initiate an ambush. At the last moment Sergeant Arsenault sensed the ambush and saw a B-40 rocket being fired. He shouted a warning, knocked another American advisor aside and blocked the B-40 round with his body, deliberately sacrificing his life to save the lives of those around him. His heroic and selfless action unquestionably saved the life of the other American advisor and their interpreter and also preserved the 12th Group command element. By saving the command structure from destruction, he made a swift reaction to the ambush possible and prevented it from becoming a disaster. Staff Sergeant Arsenault'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. 1633 (July 24, 1972)
Home Town: Southbridge, Massachusetts

*BAHL, WALTER TIMOTHY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Walter Timothy Bahl (RA16918048), 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 D, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 December 1968 as a medic on a reconnaissance-in-force mission northeast of Quan Loi. His company made contact with an estimated battalion-size North Vietnamese Army force located in well concealed positions and armed with automatic and semi-automatic weapons, rockets and mortars. Specialist Bahl immediately went to the aid of his comrades and, after evacuating all of the injured members of his element to a medical evacuation site, rushed to the platoon which was engaged in treating and carrying them to the evacuation point, the waist-high grass in which several of the casualties lay was ignited by the constant enemy barrage. Working feverishly, he rescued the men and then used his shirt to beat out the fire before he was forced back by the spreading flames, suffering burns and near exhaustion. Hearing a cry for a medic, he again risked the weathering hostile fire to reach the stricken soldier. He was painfully wounded by an enemy grenade as he started to render medical aid, but fearlessly began to pull the man to safety. Although wounded a second time, he still continued his attempt to remove his comrade until he was struck a third time by the hostile fusillade and was mortally wounded. Specialist Four Bahl'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. 1140 (April 2, 1969)
Home Town: Denver, Colorado

BAHNSEN, JOHN C., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John C. Bahnsen, Jr. (0-73597), Major (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Bahnsen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 January 1969 as Commanding Officer, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Informed of a sizable enemy force, Major Bahnsen landed at the hostile area, reconnoitered and marked a landing zone for a rifle platoon in full view of the hostile troops. Leaving the site, he saw fifteen communists and engaged them with his rifle, firing from the window of his helicopter. He killed two of the enemy and remained at a low altitude to direct additional fire upon them until his crew chief was seriously wounded by the hostile barrage which struck their ship. Major Bahnsen evacuated the crew chief, refueled and rearmed, and sped back to the battle. Again taking the communists under fire and forcing them to a confined area, he marked their position and directed five air strikes against them, while at the same time controlling four separate rifle platoons. Intense enemy fire crippled his ship[, forcing him to aquifer another aircraft. On his return, Major Bahnsen landed to guide in the lift ships carrying an additional infantry unit, and then led a rifle platoon through dense terrain to personally capture were evacuated by helicopter, he remained on the ground and led the squad two kilometers back to friendly positions. Major Bahnsen'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. 1096 (March 31, 1969)

BAILEY, HENRY M., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Henry M. Bailey, Jr. (RA25128255), 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 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. During the period 9 to 14 December 1964, Sergeant Bailey was serving as one of two Special Forces advisors to an eight-man Vietnamese reconnaissance patrol in the Nui Tien Du Mountain area, Khanh Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. On 9 December, the patrol infiltrated a Viet Cong stronghold for the purpose of pinpointing targets and estimating insurgent strength in the area. On 11 December, after successfully completing the mission, the patrol was directed by radio to select a landing site for helicopters to airlift them back to the base of operations. As the evacuation aircraft approached the area, the patrol suddenly came under a heavy concentration of hostile fire. Sergeant Bailey who was in an exposed area waved the helicopters off to prevent them from being shot down. As the patrol was forced to withdraw, Sergeant Bailey noticed a member of the patrol had been wounded and was lying in the line of hostile fire. Notwithstanding the intense hail of fire-power being directed at his fallen comrade's position, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Bailey immediately rushed forward to aid the wounded man. This action served to draw the insurgent's fire on himself and allowed the remaining members of the patrol to withdraw safely. Subsequently, after reaching the wounded patrol member, Sergeant Bailey with the aid of the other Special Forces Sergeant, carried the wounded Vietnamese team member from the ambush site. However, the trio again ran into a Viet Cong platoon and was unable to avoid the insurgents because of the wounded man. The two Sergeants then engaged the hostile platoon with accurate fire, forcing them to take cover, which enabled the duo and their wounded comrade to move safely away. As they continued their withdrawal, they came upon an insurgent outpost and by placing accurate fire on that position, the embattled sergeants were able to annihilate it completely. During the following day, despite their hazardous position, being out of food, low on ammunition, and the fact that the area was being drenched by torrential rainfall, Sergeant Bailey on two occasions waved off friendly helicopters because of the heavy concentration of Viet Cong in the area. Undaunted, Sergeant Bailey continued to proceed in the direction of a cleared landing area. As they neared the proposed pick-up site they came upon a Vietnamese hamlet which was infested by Viet Cong insurgents. Realizing that his comrade required immediate medical attention, Sergeant Bailey cautiously moved through the hostile village and miraculously reached the airlift evacuation site. After being airlifted to safety, Sergeant Bailey was able to provide operations with valuable information which enabled friendly forces to subdue the Viet Cong invested village and free some fifty-eight families which were being held prisoners by the insurgents. Sergeant Bailey's extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters: US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 72 (March 30, 1966)

BAILEY, OTIS J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Otis J. Bailey (US52968081), Private 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 Troop I, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Private First Class Bailey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 November, 1968 as a medical aidman with a dismounted patrol searching a hillside for a report Viet Cong platoon. As the patrol moved down the jungle trail, it suddenly came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well camouflaged and heavily fortified bunker complex. Disregarding his safety, Private Bailey braved the fierce enemy fire to assist the three lead men, who had been wounded by the initial volley. He quickly treated the most critically injured trooper and, carrying him on his back, crawled out of the communist; field of fire. Returning to within two meters of the hostile strongholds, he aided another of the wounded men and brought him through a deluge of enemy machine gun fire and hand grenades to the patrol's rear. After administering to the third casualty who had been able to reach relative safety, he spotted two more wounded soldiers and again faced the communist fusillade to aid his injured comrades. Private First Class Bailey's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty where 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. 685 (February 26, 1969)
Born: July 6, 1945 at Cocoa, Florida

BAILEY, STEPHEN F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Stephen F. Bailey (US53611644), Sergeant [then 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 Troop B, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Bailey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 December 1968 as commander of an armored personnel carrier near the village of Trang Bang. While his troops was nearing a battle site, it came under intense automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Spotting an enemy rocket-propelled grenade team, Sergeant Bailey maneuvered to within twenty meters of their emplacement and killed them with accurate machine gun fire. When another track received a direct hit, he fearlessly dismounted his vehicle and crossed the bullet-swept terrain to help the wounded crew members. Despite a painful wound, he returned to his carrier after administering first aid and carrying a seriously injured man to safety. Moments later another track was disabled by an enemy round and he again ran to the vehicle and attempted to drive it from the communists' line of fire. Finding that he needed assistance, he moved through the hostile barrage and returned with another man, throwing grenades into enemy emplacements only twenty meters away before reaching the track and driving it out of the endangered area. Sergeant Bailey'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. 1454 (April 26, 1969)

BAKER, ELDON L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Eldon L. Baker, 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 as a Squad Leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. On 7 February 1966, while engaged in a combat mission to relieve elements of a rifle company which was pinned down by a well-fortified and numerically superior Viet Cong force, Sergeant Baker maneuvered his squad to a position approximately one hundred meters from the hostile main battle emplacements. Continuing to evince his indomitable courage, he crawled across a rice paddy under a hail of withering gun fire to reach the enemy position. Although he sustained multiple wounds by enemy gun fire during this action, he turned and rallied his men to continue the advance. Undaunted by a throat wound which impaired his speech, he crawled to a second enemy position, signaling his men to follow him. He then pulled himself to his feet and used his pistol to destroy the enemy within the bunker, making it possible for his squad to advance and rout the enemy completely. When medical and evacuation facilities were available, he refused medical attention and evacuation until all of the wounded received medical treatment. Sergeant Baker's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism on the battlefield, and deep concern for his fellow soldiers are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 42 (October 4, 1966)

BAKER, WALTER L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Walter L. Baker (US67153250), 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 A, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). Specialist Four Baker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 April 1968 as a rifleman on a reconnaissance-in-force mission twelve mile northeast of Bien Hoa. when his company encountered an estimated battalion of well-entrenched North Vietnamese Regulars, his platoon was pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons and rocket fire. Courageously moving through a hail of enemy bullets, Specialist Baker silenced one hostile emplacement with rifle fire. As he advanced toward a second bunker, he was wounded in the leg and back by an enemy sniper. As he lay on the battlefield, he saw communist troops setting up a machine gun on a trail facing his platoon. Ignoring his painful wounds, he assaulted the machine gun position, eliminating it with rifle fire and grenades. Despite seven additional wounds received during this attack, he succeeded in capturing the enemy position. He then called to his comrades to follow him. As they advanced, he used the captured machine gun to lay down a heavy base of fire on the North Vietnamese. Only after he had shown members of his platoon the location of other hostile emplacements did he allow himself to be evacuated. His valiant actions allowed his comrades to move into the bunker complex and completely rout the aggressors from their positions. Specialist Four Baker'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. 4338 (September 12, 1968)

*BALDWIN, NORMAN EARL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Norman Earl Baldwin (0-5233469), Captain (Armor), 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 Detachment B-20, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Baldwin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1968 as the commander of a mobile strike force company engaged in relieving the besieged Duc Lap Special Forces camp. During as assault on a hill occupied by an estimated North Vietnamese Army company, he found himself alone and under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Shouting encouragement to his men to follow him, he rushed forward and single-handedly wiped out an enemy bunker, killing three aggressors. Seeing this heroic act on the part of their commander, his troops began to advance. Twenty feet from the crest of the hill Captain Baldwin and his company came under a withering barrage of small arms and automatic weapons fire from hostile positions southwest of their line of assault. Captain Baldwin placed a burst of fire on the enemy emplacements from an exposed position, inspiring his men to also locate and bring fire against them. He continued to lead the assault in the face of a hail of bullets, and when he had nearly reached the top of the hill he was mortally wounded by the North Vietnamese fusillade. Captain Baldwin'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. 4559 (October 1, 1968)
Home Town: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

*BALLARD, MEL ROY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Mel Roy Ballard, 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 Company C, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). On 18 April 1968 Company C was conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation through dense jungle vegetation in Bien Hoa Province when it came under violent small arms, automatic weapons and rocket fire from a well-entrenched, camouflaged enemy force. Demonstrating calm, decisive leadership, Sergeant Ballard reorganized his squad, maneuvered them on line and directed their return fire. As the company assaulted the entrenched enemy, it encountered a devastating fusillade of automatic weapons, claymore mine and rocket fire from the hostile positions which seriously wounded Sergeant Ballard and other members of his unit. Ordered to withdraw so that artillery barrages could be called in on the hostile positions, Sergeant Ballard observed several wounded comrades to his front. Refusing to withdraw, he remained in his position to provide covering fire and evacuate the wounded. In an inspiring display of courage and determination, Sergeant Ballad disregarded his own painful wounds and moved unhesitatingly through the dense vegetation, enemy fire, and supporting artillery barrages for more than three hours, carrying the wounded men to safety. When supporting artillery fire was lifted, Sergeant Ballard persisted in his valiant efforts to remove all the wounded from the battle area. As he moved toward a wounded man, he was struck down and mortally wounded by fragments from an exploding enemy rocket. Through his indomitable Spirit and profound courage, Sergeant Ballard saved the lives of six men and enabled the company to destroy the enemy force. Sergeant Ballard's heroic actions 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. 58 (September 24, 1969)
Home Town: Redding, California

BANKS, CHARLES J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles J. Banks (0-5306603), Captain (Infantry), 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 221st Aviation Company, 13th Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade. Captain Banks distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 December 1966 while serving as platoon leader of a reconnaissance airplane company with which he was conducting a ground briefing assembly at Can Tho Army Air Base. During the meeting, Captain Banks observed a Viet Cong terrorist arise from the tall grass and throw a hand grenade between two nearby 5,000 gallon fuel tanks. Realizing the possibility of the annihilation of his men and equipment, he immediately sounded the alarm and rushed toward the grenade. Completely disregarding his own life, he jumped on the grenade and covered it with his own body. After ascertaining that his men were out of immediate danger, Captain Banks leaped to his feet and hurled the grenade back in the direction of the terrorist. It exploded in the air but failed to ignite the highly vulnerable fuel containers. Unaware of the extent to which the attack was being initiated, Captain Banks quickly secured his rifle and fired into the hostile position, while simultaneously directing his men into a perimeter defense. His courage and aggressiveness were singularly responsible for the preservation of the lives of his men. Captain Banks' 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. 3516 (July 12, 1967)

BARELA, FELIX R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Felix R. Barela (US54401904), 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 C, 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery, 4th Infantry Division Artillery, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Barela distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 March 1968 as a cannoneer of an artillery battery. During the early morning hours, two battalions of enemy infantry, supported by intense mortar and rocket fire, attacked Specialist Barela's battery position. The insurgents breached the perimeter at several points and advanced upon the howitzer parapet manned by Specialist Barela and his section. They held the attackers off with small arms fire until the enemy employed a flame thrower, which forced the artillerymen into a bunker. Specialist Barela was wounded twice by enemy grenades thrown into the bunker, but he continued to fire his weapon until his ammunition was expended. He then killed one enemy soldier in hand-to-hand combat as the determined attackers attempted to enter the bunker. Specialist Barela and his section drove the enemy back and repelled several more assaults before reinforcements arrived and the insurgents were driven out of the perimeter. His heroic actions prevented the loss of many lives and contributed greatly to the successful defense of the battery's position. Specialist Barela'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. 3454 (July 18, 1968)

BARGEWELL, ELDON A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Eldon A. Bargewell (*****6735), 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 Command and Control (North), Task Force 1, Studies and Observations Group, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, attached to U.S. Army Vietnam Training Advisory Group (TF1AE), U.S. Army Vietnam Training Support Headquarters. Staff Sergeant Bargewell distinguished himself on 27 September 1971 while serving as a member of a long range reconnaissance team operating deep in enemy territory. On that date, his team came under attack by an estimated 75 to 100 man enemy force. Staff Sergeant Bargewell suffered multiple fragmentation wounds from an exploding B-40 rocket in the initial assault, but despite the serious wounds, placed a deadly volume of machine gun fire on the enemy line. As the enemy advanced, he succeeded in breaking the assault and forced them to withdraw with numerous casualties. When the enemy regrouped, they resumed their assault on the beleaguered team, placing a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire on Staff Sergeant Bargewell's sector of the defensive perimeter. Again he exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to hold his position and prevent the enemy from overrunning the small team. After breaking the enemy assault, the team withdrew to a nearby guard. At the landing zone, Staff sergeant Bargewell refused medical treatment in order to defend a sector of the perimeter, and insured the safe extraction of his team. Staff Sergeant Bargewell'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. 3391 (November 30, 1971)
Born: at Tacoma, Washington
Home Town: Hoquiam, Washington

*BARKER, JACK LAMAR
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jack Lamar Barker, Major (Infantry), 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, 101st Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Major Barker distinguished himself while piloting an observation helicopter during extraction operations of South Vietnamese troops near Fire Support Base Brown, Laos. As his aircraft approached the pickup zone, the enemy unleashed a barrage of automatic weapons fire upon his helicopter, forcing the attempt to be aborted. On the second approach, the enemy flak was so intense that the rescue effort was again aborted. Sustaining severe battle damage to his aircraft, Major Barker flew his crippled airship back to Khe Sanh. Realizing that the wounded personnel needed immediate evacuation, Major Barker mounted another helicopter and again departed to the besieged pickup zone. As his aircraft made its final descent, it was struck by an enemy rocket propelled grenade round, causing the ship to explode in mid-air. Major barker expired in the ensuing crash. Major Barker'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. 2264-247 (June 29, 1971)
Home Town: Waycross, Georgia

*BARNARD, RICHARD GEORGE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard George Barnard (RA12471352), 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 Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Barnard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 December 1968 as a platoon leader at a fire support base near Tay Ninh City. Shortly after midnight a regimental-size Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army force hit the camp with a devastating mortar, rocket-propelled grenade and rocket attack, followed by human wave assaults. The communists centered their drive against the section of the perimeter manned by Sergeant Barnard's company and succeeded in seizing five of its bunkers. Realizing that the base was in danger of being overrun, Sergeant Barnard unhesitatingly volunteered to lead an attempt to oust the aggressors from these positions. By placing effective fire with his rifle and hurling fragmentation grenades, he killed the enemy troops in four of the fortifications. As he fearlessly assaulted the last stronghold, he was mortally wounded by the fierce hostile fire. Sergeant First Class Barnard'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. 628 (February 20, 1969)
Home Town: Rochester, New York

BARNES, BRICE H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brice H. Barnes (0-2326319), First Lieutenant (Infantry), 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, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Barnes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as a scout platoon leader while defending against the communist Lunar New Year offensive. Enemy forces gained control of Widow's Village and entrenched themselves in its northeast sector. Lieutenant Barnes took command of all friendly forces in the town and launched a fierce assault on the insurgents. Repeatedly disregarding his safety, he braved withering fire to direct civilians in the battle area to safety. Bullets struck all around him, but he refused to take cover and led a house to house sweep, personally destroying a recoilless rifle and an automatic weapon position. His platoon's aggressive assault and relentless fire forced the Viet Cong to withdraw. Later in the day his unit was sent to the nearby village of Ho Nai. His platoon was quickly engaged by a hostile force firing machine guns, recoilless rifles and automatic weapons. Caught in the murderous crossfire, Lieutenant Barnes dismounted his personnel carrier and moved among his men to direct their counterfire on the enemy. Part of his platoon became isolated and pinned down by the intense Viet Cong barrage, and he exposed himself to a hail of bullets and shrapnel to direct gunship strikes on the enemy positions surrounding the beleaguered element. His fearless leadership and heroic actions inspired his men to fight furiously and inflict a decisive defeat on the numerically superior and determined Viet Cong forces, resulting in seventy-seven enemy killed and ten captured. First Lieutenant Barnes 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. 2034 (May 3, 1968)

*BARRIOS, JAMES PATRICK
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Patrick Barrios (RA18826326), 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 D, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Barrios distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 12 January 1969 as a machine gunner on a night patrol near Cai Nua in Dinh Tuong Province. A numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force attacked the patrol and Specialist Barrios was wounded in the leg by the first rocket-propelled grenade. Disregarding his painful injury, he went to a site directly in the path of the main enemy element. He and his assistant machine gunner laid down a heavy barrage which turned back the first wave of the assault and enabled their comrades to move casualties and establish a defensive perimeter in a rice paddy dike. The determined North Vietnamese launched a renewed attack, but Specialist Barrios and his assistant continued to hold off the aggressors until an enemy rocket-propelled grenade struck their position, mortally wounding them both. Specialist Four Barrios' 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. 1540 (April 30, 1969)
Home Town: Lemoore, California

BARTLEY, JULIUS I.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Julius I. Bartley, 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 C, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Bartley distinguished himself while serving as medical aidman during combat operations in Cambodia on 6 May 1970. On this date, Specialist Bartley and his company were inserted into a landing zone and immediately came under fire from a large, well concealed enemy force which inflicted many allied casualties. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, Specialist Bartley moved throughout the contact area to treat wounded comrades. After stabilizing the condition of several casualties, he removed them to rear positions and prepared them for helicopter evacuation. Seeing his platoon leader struck by enemy sniper fire, the specialist immediately went to his assistance and administered first aid to the wounded soldier. Then, the specialist carried the injured officer approximately two hundred meters through intense enemy fire to the company's perimeter. His determined actions served as a constant inspiration to his comrades and contributed immeasurably to the successful defense of the position. Specialist Four Bartley'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. 5304 (December 15, 1970)

*BAXTER, BRUCE RAYMOND (MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Bruce Raymond Baxter (RA21289734), Master 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 Command and Control Detachment, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Master Sergeant Baxter distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 November 1967 while serving as Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese reconnaissance team on combat operations deep in hostile territory. While moving through dense jungle shortly before nightfall, his team detected an enemy ambush to the front. Sergeant Baxter quickly directed the fire of his men on the hostile forces, disrupting the planned attack. He was seriously wounded by a barrage of enemy grenades during the firefight that followed, but he refused aid and directed his men to a landing zone for extraction. Savage fire raked the helicopters as they made their landing. Sergeant Baxter refused to be immediately evacuated, and directed half of his team to board the first aircraft while he remained on the ground. The second aircraft was downed after being driven off by the ravaging barrage, and he completely disregarded his own safety in an attempt to reach the crash site under a hail of bullets. The withering fire drove him back, and he requested a hoist extraction for the rest of his men. When the aircraft came in, he placed three of his men aboard before the ship was forced to take off under intense ground fire. A fourth helicopter elected to land despite the heavy barrage, and Sergeant Baxter climbed in only after he was sure that the rest of his team were aboard. He was mortally wounded when the helicopter was shot down in an attempt to fly out of the area. His gallant leadership and devotion to the safety of his men at great risk to his own welfare were responsible for saving several lives in the face of grave danger. Master Sergeant Baxter'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. 6569 (December 22, 1967)
Born: September 28, 1931 at Boston, Massachusetts
Home Town: Lowell, Massachusetts

BAXTER, WILLIAM P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William P. Baxter (0-73602), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 November 1965, Captain Baxter, newly assigned as an advisor to the 3d Battalion, 7th Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, was accompanying his unit on a search and destroy mission of known Viet Cong positions at the Michelin Rubber Plantation in the vicinity of Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam. The regimental headquarters of the 7th Regiment along with both 1st and 3d Battalions, which were grouping their forces in an assembly area near the assault zone, were suddenly ambushed by a Viet Cong contingent, of approximately regimental size, equipped with mortars, recoilless rifles, automatic weapons, and small arms. The initial attack, which inflicted heavy casualties on the friendly forces, was hardly over when a second attack was undertaken by the insurgents. The ferocity and intensity of the attacks enabled the insurgents to completely surround the few remaining members of the embattled friendly force, whose strength was now approximately seventy Vietnamese soldiers and five American advisors. After a murderous four-hour fire fight, the Viet Cong launched a third attack, characterized by a heavy concentration of heavy weapons and waves of insurgents literally thrown at the friendly forces. From the onset of the attacks, Captain Baxter with complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved from one position to another to give timely advice, direct fire, shift the friendly troops to strengthen their defensive position, and simultaneously maintained radio contact with friendly artillery and air fire support. As the insurgents moved to within grenade range of their position, Captain Baxter requested artillery fire be directed in at his own defensive area. Without regard for his own safety, he remained completely exposed during the artillery strike in order to direct and adjust incoming artillery. Through his inspirational leadership and courage the Viet Cong attack was repelled. Captain Baxter'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, Pacific, General Orders No. 53 (March 7, 1966)

BEACH, MARTIN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Martin H. Beach (0-5425474), Captain (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant], 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 C, 2d Battalion, 77th Artillery, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Beach distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 23 to 25 February 1969 while serving as commander of a battery section of Fire Support Base Mahoney II in Bin Duong Province. When the camp came under enemy rocket and mortar attack, Captain Beach ran through the barrage to alert his gun crews. A rocket- propelled grenade stuck within the parapet of one howitzer, wounding all the members in the section. Captain Beach immediately assisted the wounded and then manned the howitzer until a new crew could be formed. Then, while moving form section to section he was wounded in the foot by fragmentation from a rocket grenade. Despite his painful wound, he took charge of a reaction force and assaulted the enemy who had overrun a perimeter bunker. After rescuing the fortification, he directed the firing of beehive rounds on the advancing enemy. Only after the assailants had withdrawn did he allow himself to be medically treated. On 25 February, when the foe renewed the assault, Captain Beach again braved hostile bombardment to supervise the direct fire on the attacking ground forces. When the communists threatened to penetrate the perimeter, he led the reaction force and one howitzer section in thwarting the attempt. While on the perimeter, he was responsible for eliminating two enemy automatic weapons positions. He continued to move about the battery, directing and supervising defensive firing until the enemy broke off the attack. Captain Beach's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2246 (June 25, 1969)

*BEAGLE, HOWARD EUGENE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Howard Eugene Beagle (US51589752), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Beagle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 April 1967 while serving as medical corpsman during a search and destroy mission near Tan An. Specialist Beagle's unit was crossing dry rice paddies, still 200 meters from it's objective, when a Viet Cong force initiated a barrage of intense fire. As one of the men fell wounded, Specialist Beagle raced through the hail of fire to his side and began to treat his critical wounds. Soon another call for medical help was made. Oblivious of the outburst of fire his movement drew, Specialist Beagle ran 75 meters across the field to the new casualty. he pulled the soldier to a partially protected position behind a rice paddy dike, but at times was forced to shield the man's body with his own while he treated him. Since the hostile fire became very intense, he grabbed the wounded man's weapon and tried to silence some of the hostile positions. When another soldier came to relieve him, he finished his treatment, then ran again across the open paddies to the first casualty. As medical evacuation helicopters arrived, Specialist Beagle once more crossed the fields of fire to ensure that the wounded men were safely evacuated. Some of his comrades began to feel the effects of their strenuous exertions in the afternoon heat. Specialist Beagle assembled them and began to build a shelter to protect them fro the sun. As he stood up to secure a corner of the shelter, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Four Beagle 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. 2428 (May 27, 1967)
Home Town: Glens Falls, New York

*BECHTEL, HERBERT STEPHEN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Herbert Stephen Bechtel, 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 Company B, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, on 25 August 1966. Private Bechtel, serving as a machinegunner during Operation AMARILLO, moved with his unit through a dense jungle area in War Zone C in an attempt to drive heavily reinforced Viet Cong units from their sanctuaries along Route 16. His commander received word that a 16-man patrol from the Battalion had stumbled across a well- camouflaged enemy base camp and was being heavily engaged by a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Private Bechtel's company joined with other elements of the Battalion and quickly moved to assist the beleaguered patrol. As they arrived in the embattled area, his platoon maneuvered between the patrol and the Viet Cong. This gave the patrol sufficient time to move their dead and wounded to the rear. No sooner was the patrol extracted than the Viet Cong Struck the platoon with every weapon at their command. Casualties were many and the platoon was suddenly in grave danger of being destroyed. Artillery and air strikes could not be used against the Viet Cong because of the platoon's proximity to them. Private Bechtel realized the platoon faced annihilation unless someone was able to provide sufficient covering fire to enable the platoon to withdraw. Unhesitatingly, he ordered his gun crew to follow him as he moved to a foxhole forward of the platoon's position. He directed extremely heavy fire on the insurgent bunkers and emplacements, enabling most of the platoon to move back to less exposed positions. There were many wounded who had to be left behind, and Private Bechtel was all that stood between them and the enemy. His steady, intensive fire enabled aidmen to craw forward and start evacuating the wounded. The Viet Cong concentrated their firepower on Private Bechtel's position. An enemy rifle grenade landed near him. The concussion lifted him from the foxhole and shrapnel wounded him in his arms and hands. He ignored the pain and crawled back to his position to resume firing on the Viet Cong. The assistant machine gunner had taken over the weapon. Although he was severely wounded and there was someone else to man the weapon, Private Bechtel refused to go to the rear for medical attention. Instead, he painfully crawled 30 meters through a hail of enemy fire. Although he realized he was the primary target of Viet Cong fire, he secured three boxes of ammunition and started the perilous crawl back to his foxhole. When he reached the position, he found that the assistant gunner had been killed and that the ammunition bearer had manned the machinegun. As their ammunition supply became critically low, Private Bechtel defied a furious volume of hostile fire a second time as he crawled to another demolished machinegun position and returned with a large quantity of ammunition. Soon thereafter, the ammunition bearer was severely wounded. Private Bechtel told him to crawl to the rear where he could rejoin the platoon and receive medical attention. Although seriously wounded himself, Private Bechtel refused to go with his comrade. Instead, he placed intensive fire onto the insurgent positions to cover the wounded man's withdrawal. He was now alone in his isolated forward position. Private Bechtel, aware that he was low on ammunition, carefully placed short bursts of fire onto the Viet Cong emplacements. Again, a well-placed enemy grenade exploded near his position, and Private Bechtel was struck in the shoulder and hip by fragments. His Platoon Sergeant shouted to him to return to the rear so that his wounds could be treated, but he replied that he would remain at his position and continue covering the evacuation of the casualties. Again the Viet Cong increased the intensity of their fire at his position. Private Bechtel continued firing at the enemy. His highly accurate suppressive fire effectively covered the extraction of the casualties from the battlefield. Then his weapon was silenced. Later, the American forces completely routed the Viet Cong from the base camp. Private Bechtel was found dead behind his weapon with his finger still on the trigger and all ammunition expended. He had decided that, if necessary, he would sacrifice his own life to enable he comrades to live. Although there was ample opportunity for him to change his mind, he stuck with his decision to the end. His conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, at the cost of his own life, provided the covering fire that enabled his platoon to withdraw from an extremely dangerous situation and allowed his wounded comrades to be carried from the battlefield. Not only did his actions save many of his comrade's lives but also provided them with the inspiration to continue the battle and resoundingly defeat the enemy. He never relented from his determined effort to destroy the enemy and to assist and impart confidence to his fallen comrades. Private Bechtel's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 15 (April 8, 1968)
Home Town: Bellefontaine, Ohio

BECKSTROM, DONALD R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald R. Beckstrom (US56543644), 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 Company C, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Beckstrom distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 July 1968 while serving as radio telephone operator on a reconnaissance-in-force mission. His company suddenly came under intense enemy fire, critically wounding the commander and a major part of the headquarters element. Disregarding his safety, Sergeant Beckstrom maneuvered forward to remove the company commander and the other injured men from under the communists' barrage. While extracting the casualties from the killing zone, he observed a number of the enemy moving on his position and immediately placed a heavy volume of fire upon them, killing two and wounding several more. After evacuating the company commander, Sergeant Beckstrom took command of the company, reorganized the platoons in defensive positions and personally directed retaliatory fire on the aggressors. He continued to provide effective leadership until relieved by a new commanding officer an hour and thirty minutes later. Sergeant Beckstrom'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. 255 (January 23, 1969)

*BEERS, JACK BLAINE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jack Blaine Beers (RA23877112), 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 Company B, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Platoon Sergeant Beers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the evening of 7 April 1969 during an attack by an estimated reinforced Viet Cong company on his platoon's night location near the town of Bao Loc, Lam Dong Province. Sergeant Beers moved through the initial barrage of rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire to reach a section of the perimeter under heavy ground attack, and was painfully wounded by shrapnel from an incoming rocket when he arrived at a machine gun bunker. Despite his injury, he directed that position's fire against the aggressors and momentarily halted their assault. After hearing a rocket hit in the platoon's command post and a cry for help from his radio telephone operator, he started toward the stricken post, but was seriously wounded in the legs and stomach by shrapnel from enemy grenades and rockets as the communists began attacking from all sides. Disregarding his safety, he encouraged his men to hold their positions and crawled to a radio to call for artillery support. Although he was in an exposed location, he continued to adjust artillery strikes until he was mortally wounded by hostile small arms fire. Platoon Sergeant Beers' 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. 1728 (May 14, 1969)
Home Town: Clarksville, Tennessee

*BELL, CHRISTOPHER HIAWATHA
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Christopher Hiawatha Bell (RA12981516), Private 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 Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Private First Class Bell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during a search and destroy mission in enemy territory. Realizing the danger of the mission, Private Bell volunteered to be point man in place of his less experienced comrades. He came upon a fork in the trail, stopped the platoon and moved forward alone. He suddenly opened fire, killing an enemy soldier on the trail. The platoon was immediately pinned down by a vicious hail of enemy automatic weapons fire from at least three positions. Private Bell, trapped in front of the platoon, began placing a heavy volume of effective counterfire on the insurgents, allowing his platoon leader to deploy the lead squad. The enemy fire became so intense that the squad was soon immobilized as it tried to maneuver against the insurgents. Realizing the precarious situation that was rapidly developing, Private Bell quickly went into action. He secured hand grenades from his rucksack, and began to crawl through the murderous barrage toward the enemy bunker putting out the heaviest volume of firepower. As he neared the position, he exposed himself to the fusillade to throw a grenade which destroyed the bunker and killed its occupants. The platoon was still receiving heavy automatic weapons fire, so he moved toward a second bunker and destroyed it with hand grenades. The platoon then began receiving fire from a position to its left flank, and Private Bell began moving towards the source. Once in range, he rose to throw a grenade and was struck by a burst of automatic weapons fire which knocked him to the ground. Ignoring his wound and completely disregarding his safety, he got to his feet and rushed forward. He was struck twice more by a burst from the enemy machine gun, but he continued to charge until he was close enough to throw a grenade into the bunker, destroying it. Private First Class Bell'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. 3762 (August 2, 1968)
Home Town: Clinton, North Carolina

*BELL, LEWIS DOUGLAS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lewis Douglas Bell, Major (Artillery), 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 Aviation Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. Major Bell distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry against an armed hostile enemy force at the cost of his life on 5 March 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Bell was serving as Pilot of a UH-1D helicopter when he learned that the perimeter of the 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry was surrounded and under heavy attack by a regimental-sized Viet Cong force in the vicinity of Lai Khe, Binh Duong Province. The insurgents had pressed so close to the perimeter of the American units that mortar and supporting artillery fire were relatively ineffective and the defenders had begun to run critically short of small arms ammunition. Though they realized that delivery of ammunition into the middle of a raging jungle battle was extremely hazardous and called for exposure to withering Viet Cong machine gun fire, Major Bell and his crew voluntarily undertook to deliver fifteen hundred pounds of explosive cargo into the battle area. On the approach to the landing zone the helicopter and crew were hit time and time again by heavy machine gun and small arms fire. Knowing the ammunition was desperately needed to save the besieged infantrymen, Major Bell and his crew ignored their own wounds and personal safety and continued through th