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

EDWARDS, JAMES L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James L. Edwards (RA53085482), 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, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division. Platoon Sergeant Edwards distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 August 1968 as First Sergeant of his company while it was on a search and destroy mission in Nam Hoa District, Thua Thien Province. During a battle with a well-entrenched enemy force, Sergeant Edwards was directed to take command of a platoon which was heavily engaged with the communists. Braving a hail of bullets, he reached the platoon and discovered that the point squad and platoon sergeant had become separated by the initial burst of hostile fire and were trapped in the enemy killing zone. He quickly reorganized the platoon to bring maximum fire power against the foe, and then crawled alone to the beleaguered element. Finding the point squad out of ammunition and about to be overrun, he placed heavy fire on the communists, single-handedly forcing them back and enabling the squad to withdraw. When his comrades had reached the defensive perimeter, he crawled back and continued to exposed himself to the hostile barrage for the next three hours to direct his men. When another platoon managed to reach the rear of the enemy, he led an attack making a one-man assault on the first fortification which blocked his troops' advance and killed its two occupants with hand grenades. After he had destroyed a second bunker with hand grenades and annihilated both its defenders with rifle fire, his men stood up and overran the enemy positions. Platoon Sergeant Edwards' 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. 1310 (April 15, 1969)

*EISENHOUR, JAMES DOYLE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Doyle Eisenhour (W-3160336), Warrant Officer, 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 the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade. Warrant Officer Eisenhour distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action while flying as an aircraft commander of a UH-1H helicopter against hostile forces near Hiep Hoa, Republic of Vietnam, on 18 August 1968, in an attempt to rescue a member of a long range reconnaissance patrol who was reported fallen from the extraction helicopter. Three other aircraft had attempted the rescue operation at the expense of two killed and six wounded. Warrant Officer Eisenhour, realizing that survival chances were small, nevertheless volunteered to take his aircraft and crew into the hotly contested landing zone to attempt the rescue. While hovering in the landing zone looking for the lost man, Warrant Officer Eisenhour's aircraft sustained multiple hits from numerous automatic weapons positions. Warrant Officer Eisenhour was fatally wounded. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for a fellow soldier, he attempted to rescue this individual at the cost of his own life. Warrant Officer Eisenhour's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity 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. 13 (March 6, 1969)
Home Town: LaCrosse, Kansas

ELLIOTT, ARTICE W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Artice W. Elliott, Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism while a Major serving as Senior Advisor to the 3d Battalion, 42nd Infantry Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. During the period 21 April to 26 April 1971, the 3d Battalion was engaged in combat with elements of the 28th North Vietnamese Army Regiment in the vicinity of Dak Seang Special Forces Camp. Despite heavy direct and indirect fire barrages at the onset of each attack, Lieutenant Colonel Elliott would move to a position where he could direct air strikes, gunships, and artillery strikes, disregarding his own safety. He continued to expose himself on numerous occasions taking the enemy under fire with his own rifle and hand grenades. With all of his advisory team either dead or wounded he assumed an even greater share of the advisory effort, moving about the position advising the Vietnamese Battalion Commander, comforting the wounded, and inspiring the soldiers by his courage and stamina. As the situation became more desperate he took command of the unit and planned an executed breakthrough of the enemy encirclement, staying behind to inspire and orderly withdrawal. He was last seen firing his weapon in an attempt to held off the enemy so the others could escape. Lieutenant Colonel Elliott's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with highest traditions of the military service.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 30 (September 18, 1973)
Home Town: , Texas

EMERSON, HENRY E.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Henry E. Emerson (0-50868), 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 as Commanding Officer of the 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Colonel Emerson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 April 1968 as commander of an infantry brigade during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Dinh Tuong Province. One of his brigade elements came under intense automatic weapons fire when it enter an unmarked mine field. Because of the fire, its advance was halted and the momentum of its attack was imperiled. Upon hearing of this, Colonel Emerson directed his command aircraft to land in the battle area where, completely disregarding his own safety, he took command of the beleaguered element. His presence on the battle field under intense fire quickly inspired his men to redouble their efforts and gain fire superiority over the enemy. After assuring that the insurgents were well under control, he returned to his helicopter and was informed that another battalion was engaging a large insurgent force and was having trouble in determining the exact deployment of the enemy. He directed his craft to fly over the battle area to assess the situation. His ship was flying at a low level, and it was immediately subjected to fierce enemy fire. Using the muzzle flashes to detect the location of the Viet Cong, he ordered his battalion into a position where it could encircle the insurgents and begin their methodical destruction. Observing five Viet Cong fleeing the conflict area, he directed his pilot to land. He immediately leaped from the aircraft, and, using only his pistol, killed one of the enemy and captured another.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3361 (July 15, 1968)
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Vietnam)
EMERSON, HENRY E.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Henry E. Emerson (0-50868), 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 as Commanding Officer of the 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Colonel Emerson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 30 May to 4 June 1968 in the Plain of Reeds while leading his brigade against the Viet Cong. Two days of ground sweeps failed to uncover the communists. Colonel Emerson boarded his helicopter on 1 June and directed that he be taken on a low-level reconnaissance through the operation area. He located a Viet Cong base camp and ordered an air assault against it. Ignoring heavy antiaircraft fire which was directed at and struck his ship, he circled above the battle area at less than three hundred feet and called air strikes on the enemy. Frequently he landed to personally direct the maneuver of his troops. As evening came a severe thunderstorm lashed the battle site, but he stayed in the air until he was told that his craft was flying on emergency fuel. During the night the enemy units fled, and although Colonel Emerson located their escape route the next day, they disappeared before his troops could re-engage them. Flying at tree-top level on 3 June, he discovered a massive Viet Cong bunker complex and immediately committed his forces in a series of air assaults. His men came under devastating automatic weapons fire, and by late afternoon the situation was critical. By landing at strategic points in the midst of the enemy fusillade and repeatedly flying low over the communists' positions, Colonel Emerson was able to skillfully coordinate his troops' maneuvers and direct air and artillery bombardments on the hostile emplacements. As he conducted a bitter night assault which completely encircled the Viet Cong, his helicopter was hit six times by enemy machine gun fire and disabled. After landing to obtain another ship and a fresh crew he returned to the fight, staying with his men until long after midnight to insure that the wounded were evacuated, all units were resupplied and arrangements were made for continued air and artillery strikes. The struggle ended the next morning and two first line Viet Cong battalions had been shattered. General Emerson's heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and on the U.S. Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5021 (October 29, 1968)
Other Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Vietnam)
*ENNERS, RAYMOND JAMES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Raymond James Enners (OF-111531), 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 A, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. First Lieutenant Enners distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 September 1968 while serving as a platoon leader during a combat sweep near the village of Ha Thanh. While moving across a small valley, his platoon was ambushed by a reinforced North Vietnamese Army squad firing machine guns, automatic weapons and small arms from camouflaged positions on a hillside. A squad leader was severely wounded and fell within twenty meters of the communists. Helplessly trapped by raking fire from the enemy gunners, the badly bleeding squad leader called for help, but the deadly hostile fire kept anyone from reaching him. Lieutenant Enners, hearing his cries, began moving forward to rescue him. From his position one hundred meters back, he crawled forward through the rice paddies and leaped across the intervening dikes, dodging through continuous bursts of enemy fire until he reached his forward squad trapped behind a dike twenty meters from the fallen squad leader. With the aid of one of the other squad leaders, he dispersed his men and signaled for covering fire. He and the squad leader then jumped over the dike and ran forward through the blistering fire to within ten meters of the wounded man, but were forced to turn back when the North Vietnamese began throwing grenades. Calling for a second burst of cover fire, the two men again raced across the bullet-ridden paddies, only to be halted again by the shrapnel of exploding grenades. Returning to the scant cover of the dike, Lieutenant Enners reorganized his men, maneuvering one squad twenty meters to the right of the enemy emplacements and directing the remainder of the platoon to areas from which they could lay down the most effective cross fire. Signaling a third time for his men to open up on the aggressors, he and the squad leader vaulted the dike and again attempted to reach the wounded man. Braving rounds scorching the air around them, they raced to the injured man's position and took cover behind the dike, After applying first aid to the man's wounds while the squad leader fired at the North Vietnamese, Lieutenant Enners picked up the injured man, again disregarding the risk to his own life to carry him back across the battlefield to the care of medical aidmen. Moving the squad on the right through a hail of fire, he moved to within fifteen meters of the enemy before he was fatally wounded by hostile machine gun fire. First Lieutenant Enners' 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. 403 (February 5, 1969)
Home Town: Farmingdale, New York

ESHER, BRIAN R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brian R. Esher, 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, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Esher distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 September 1968 during a mine sweep operation south of First Support Base Santa Barbara in Tay Ninh Province. As his unit proceeded along Route 4, a North Vietnamese unit sprang an ambush employing rocket-propelled grenades. In the initial barrage, the first three armored personnel carriers were struck and disabled. Specialist Esher along with four other men who survived the salvo scrambled aboard the following vehicle as the platoon attempted to move out of the ambush site. When their armored vehicle was stalled by an exploding rocket grenade, they quickly dismounted and established a defensive perimeter around the personnel carrier. Setting up a machine gun position, Specialist Esher unleashed a suppressive barrage on the hostile force who sought to close in on the element now cut off from the rest of the platoon. Twice he returned to the smoking vehicle to obtain ammunition and once more to call in and direct gunship fire on hostile positions. Receiving orders to rejoin the platoon, Specialist Esher positioned his men advantageously on the vehicle and set off in the badly damaged vehicle at a painfully slow speed. After finally reaching the location of his unit, he helped supervise the evacuation of the more seriously wounded. Only after he and his comrades had retraced their paths through the ambush site and returned to the fire base did Specialist Esher accept medical care for his wounds received in the initial attack. Specialist Four Esher'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. 3794 (October 7, 1969)

*ESTRADA, ESTEBAN PENA
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Esteban Pena Estrada (US54404330), 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, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Estrada distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 January 1968 as machine gunner of an infantry company on a search and destroy operation in hostile territory. While moving through dense woods, his unit came under ravaging enemy fire from well-fortified and concealed positions. The fire was so intense it forced his comrades to take immediate cover. Disregarding his personal safety, Private Estrada ignored the bullets striking all around him and took up an exposed position. Although the Viet Cong focused their fire on him, he unflinchingly retained his position and delivered a devastating fusillade on the determined attackers. His withering fire prevented the insurgents from mounting a sustained assault on his unit. He was critically wounded by enemy fire but continued his fierce fight until his company regrouped and successfully counterattacked against the numerically superior Viet Cong. Private First Class Estrada'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. 1745 (April 16, 1968)
Home Town: Poteet, Texas

ESZES, JOSEPH W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Joseph W. Eszes, First Lieutenant (Field 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 Troop C, 16th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant Eszes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 December 1971 when his troop was conducting a visual reconnaissance in search of a North Vietnamese battalion. Two helicopters had imitated low-level reconnaissance when both were shot down by a deadly barrage of enemy fire. Captain Eszes, monitoring the situation from an outpost, started for the battle site. A command and control helicopter had successfully evacuated one crew but was unable to reach the other ship due to intense enemy fire. Captain Eszes three times tried to unsuccessfully to reach the downed helicopter crew. When his ship was gushing fuel due to a bullet damage, he returned to the outpost, got another ship and resumed rescue attempts. His fourth attempt was thwarted when his windshield was shattered by a hail of fire. A fifth time he attempted an approach and was successful in getting to the downed helicopter. However, after a quick visual search of the area, the magnitude and proximity of the enemy fire forced him to depart. As they were lifting off, an explosion around the downed helicopter quelled any hope of the two crewmen surviving. Captain Eszes'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.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 19 (June 18, 1974)
Home Town: Lawton, Oklahoma

*EUTSLER, JOHN WESLEY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John Wesley Eutsler (US51883582), 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 B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Private First Class Eutsler distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1969 as a point man during a search and clear mission in Tay Ninh Province. As Private Eutsler was leading his squad down a narrow path, he came upon a well camouflaged bunker complex manned by two companies of the North Vietnamese Army. He immediately signaled a warning to his comrades and, disregarding his safety, advanced on the forward enemy position. Although met by intense hostile fire, he killed one of the communists and continued across an open field to the bunker, which he destroyed with hand grenades. He then engaged a squad of enemy troops who were placing deadly fire on his element, enabling his comrades to withdraw to a more secure location. While moving back to rejoin his unit and report the North Vietnamese positions, he was fatally wounded by a burst of hostile fire. Private First Class Eutsler'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. 1146 (April 3, 1969)
Home Town: Spencerville, Ohio

EVANS, BILLY D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Billy D. Evans (RA18268313), 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 Command and Control Detachment (Central), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Evans distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 29 to 31 March 1967 while serving as a Special forces advisor to a Vietnamese Army unit on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. Attacked by a numerically superior Viet Cong force during infiltration, part of the force was unable to land because of heavy automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Evans quickly organized the remaining men and led them to a defensive position through a hail of machine gun fire. Throughout the night he disregarded his own safety to direct the fire of his men on repeated enemy probes. Early in the morning a mass assault by the Viet Cong disabled all of the men in his sector. Receiving a severe wound, Sergeant Evans continued to repel the assault single-handedly until reinforcements could be shifted to his position. When a determined attack broke through the perimeter, he refused medical aid and fiercely charged the onrushing insurgents killing several and destroying a machine gun position from which deadly fire was inflicting numerous friendly casualties. His actions inspired his men to greater heights to defeat the enemy and allow exfiltration of the unit. Sergeant First Class Evans' 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. 4718 (September 17, 1967)

EVANS, DANIEL EDWARD, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Daniel Edward Evans, Jr., 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 Company B, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Five Evans distinguished himself with exceptionally valorous actions on 25 March 1969 while serving as medical aidman on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Fire Support Base Danger in Kien Phong Province. Air-inserted elements of his company were approaching a densely vegetated woodline when they were suddenly enveloped in a barrage of hostile automatic weapons fire from well-camouflaged bunkers. Seeing a trooper downed by the initial bursts, he crawled through ditches and dashed over open terrain to the wounded soldier. After dressing the soldier's critical chest wound, he dragged the casualty on a makeshift litter with the help of another infantryman through volleys of exploding rocket-propelled grenades to a rear area. Following artillery and air strikes on the enemy fortifications, a second assault was initiated on the hostile positions and immediately checked by suppressive enemy fire. Again Specialist Evans responded to the needs of a downed trooper. Dodging machine gun fire, he crawled and sprinted thirty meters to the wounded man and treated him while enemy fire saturated the area. Seeing yet another soldier hit in the storm of bullets, he attempted several times without success to crawl to him. Undaunted by the suppressive fire, he finally reached the casualty, dressed his severe chest wound, and dragged him to rear safety. Specialist Evans then darted from position to position to aid two other wounded troopers, crawling within fifty meters of the enemy bunkers to aid one man. Lying prone he bandaged the soldier's wound and enlisted fellow infantrymen to drag the man to the rear. For more than five hours he exposed himself to hostile fire to bring prompt medical attention to his fallen comrades. Specialist Evans' 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. 3293 (August 26, 1969)

*EVANS, DONALD PATRICK
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Donald Patrick Evans (US54979872), 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 D, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Private First Class Evans distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 November 1968 while serving as a point man during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in a dense bamboo jungle near Landing Zone Jake. Private Evans detected an enemy ambush and immediately warned his company. The unit attempted to flank the North Vietnamese Army soldiers, who were entrenched in a well camouflaged and heavily fortified bunker complex. Fearlessly leading one of the flanking elements and braving the automatic weapons fire, he spearheaded an aggressive assault against the hostile positions. Moving ahead of the other troops, Private Evans single-handedly destroyed four bunkers with rifle fire and grenades, allowing the balance of the company to advance until it became pinned down by three adversaries in an expertly camouflaged bunker. unmindful of his safety, he immediately charged the position and forced the North Vietnamese to retreat. As he continued to pursue the communists, he was mortally wounded by an enemy sniper. Private First Class Evans' 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. 425 (February 6, 1969)
Home Town: Lake Orion, Michigan

EVANS, DONALD R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald R. Evans (RA18867804), 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 B, 3d Squadron 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Evans distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 February 1969 during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in the Boi Loi Woods. Private Evans' troop came under intense recoilless rifle and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an enemy force in well-concealed, fortified bunkers. As they advanced on the hostile emplacements, they were caught in a cross fire which threatened to stop their progress and divide them in half. Disregarding his safety, Private Evans sprang to his feet and assaulted a bunker, firing his rifle and hurling grenades which destroyed the fortification and killed its five occupants. The troop moved forward until it received heavy fire from another bunker. Private Evans again ran toward the bunker, firing his weapon and silencing the position with hand grenades. While his unit continued its penetration of the stronghold, he checked numerous enemy spider holes, and then voluntarily remained behind to provide covering fire with a machine gun when the troop withdrew to permit the use of artillery. Private First Class Evans' 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. 1619 (May 7, 1969)

*EVANS, JERRY DEWAIN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jerry Dewain Evans (US52966929), 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, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Specialist Four Evans distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 February 1968 as a rifleman of the an airmobile infantry company conducting an assault on a series of well fortified enemy bunker positions near Hue. Specialist Evans' company was immobilized by heavy enemy sniper fire from one of the bunker complexes. Realizing his unit would suffer heavy casualties unless it moved, he maneuvered across the bullet-swept terrain, attacking the bunker from which the company was receiving the most intense fire. Without regard for his personal safety, he mounted the fortification's roof and fired inside the emplacement, eliminating four enemy troops. Moving from the bunker, Specialist Four Evans was mortally wounded by sniper fire from another fortified position. Specialist Four Evans' 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. 3202 (July 6, 1968)
Home Town: Holland Patent, New York

*EWING, JERRY LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jerry Lee Ewing (RA67154815), Private, 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 E, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Private Ewing distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in the early hours of 21 March 1969 while serving as a perimeter guard at Landing Zone White in Tay Ninh Province. The base came under rocket and mortar fire, followed by attacks by North Vietnamese Army sappers. A rocket exploded against the side of Private Ewing's bunker, collapsing it and forcing him and another guard to seek shelter from the communists' barrage. As they made their way to a trench, Private Ewing noticed one of the enemy throwing a grenade at his companion. Yelling a warning, he pushed his comrade into the trench, jumped on top of him, and used his own body to shield him from the explosion. By absorbing the full impact of the grenade, he saved his fellow soldier from injury. Private Ewing'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. 1941 (June 3, 1969)
Home Town: Detroit, Michigan

*FACTORA, DOUGLAS GEORGE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Douglas George Factora (ER50010756), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Sergeant Factora distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 May 1968 while serving as an assault vehicle commander during an attack upon a well fortified enemy position in the vicinity of Cu Chi. Directing highly accurate suppressive fire with his vehicle's machine gun and hurling hand grenades a the enemy, he was personally responsible for the elimination of several of the hostile emplacements. During the final stages of the assault, Sergeant Factora was seriously wounded and thrown from his vehicle when it was struck by an enemy antitank rocket. Despite the intense pain of his wounds, he remounted the carrier, rallied his crew members, and continued his fierce assault upon the insurgents, destroying several additional enemy positions. Again Sergeant Factora's vehicle was hit by an enemy antitank round, seriously wounding several of his crew members and causing the vehicle to burst into flames. Disregarding his own safety and critical injuries, Sergeant Factora removed his disabled comrades from the burning carrier. Only after he was assured that they had been treated and evacuated did he allow evacuation for himself. He died en route to the hospital. His fearless actions in the face of intense enemy fire were instrumental in the complete overpowering of the insurgent forces. Sergeant Factora'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. 4092 (August 23, 1968)
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii

FALCK, DOUGLAS M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Douglas M. Falck (0-5350552), Second 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 A, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Second Lieutenant Falck distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 May 1968 as a platoon leader of an infantry company during a combat mission on Hill 352. Lieutenant Falck volunteered to lead a six-man patrol up the northwest side of the hill to probe an enemy mortar position. While moving up the hill, the team encountered three barricades of concertina wire around the entrenched enemy's bunker line. Lieutenant Falck spread his men out and advanced alone to cut a path through the wire. The team then crawled between two enemy bunkers and set up a small defensive perimeter while Lieutenant Falck again moved out alone to reconnoiter the hostile positions. When he was fired on by an enemy guard in one of the bunkers, he charged the soldier's position and killed him with small arms fire. He then assaulted through a hail of point-blank machine gun fire to silence two weapons in a second bunker and was wounded. Ignoring his wounds, he continued his assault and killed another enemy soldier. He then returned to his team and reported to his company which was attacking the enemy's outer defensive perimeter. The North Vietnamese troops began firing their mortars to turn the company back. Lieutenant Falck maneuvered his team into position and silenced the weapons, eliminating two more hostile positions. Second Lieutenant Falck'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. 4060 (August 22, 1968)

*FALDERMEYER, HAROLD JOHN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Harold John Faldermeyer (123-36-1302), 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 21st DCAT, Advisory Team 51, Military Assistance Command Vietnam. Captain Faldermeyer distinguished himself on 11 May 1972 while serving as Advisor, 2d Battalion, 32d Regiment, 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this date the 2d Battalion, which had been in heavy contact for two days without re-supply, was on an offensive operation against a firmly entrenched North Vietnamese Army Regiment to open Highway 13 to relieve the tightening ring of enemy forces around the beleaguered friendly forces at An Loc. Captain Faldermeyer, with disregard for his own safety, repeatedly throughout the day, exposed himself to enemy fire to direct a series of deadly effective tactical airstrikes against the enemy positions. At approximately 1030 hours the 2d Battalion was attacked by at least one NVA reinforced battalion. Captain Faldermeyer, as the ground controller for U.S. air assets, with single minded determination to accomplish the mission and at great risk to his life, moved under heavy enemy mortar fire across Highway 13, to a vantage point from which to direct and coordinate friendly airstrikes. His position was extremely perilous as he was exposed on three sides with the remainder of his unit across Highway 13. Despite intense enemy mortar and rocket fire, Captain Faldermeyer remained at this position. Captain Faldermeyer'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, MACV Support Command General Orders No. 1924 (August 19, 1972)
Home Town: Rockland, New York

FANESI, DAVID
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to David Fanesi, 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 Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Fanesi distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 October 1969 while serving as a platoon sergeant during a unit combat operation against a large enemy force in fortified positions. When the platoon leader was fatally wounded during the initial exchange of fire, Sergeant Fanesi immediately assumed command of the platoon and led his men in an assault on the enemy stronghold. As the element maneuvered toward the enemy bunkers, four of the men were wounded and pinned down by the intense hostile fire. Quickly organizing a medical rescue team, he moved to the aid of the wounded soldiers. As the team was evacuating the casualties, three enemy soldiers opened fire, wounding the medical aidman. Sergeant Fanesi moved without hesitation to an exposed position and killed three hostile troops with accurate automatic weapons fire. While moving the casualties to a safe area, the rescue team encountered two more of the enemy in a concealed bunker. Sergeant Fanesi quickly assaulted the bunker, and although wounded himself, he killed the two soldiers with several well-placed hand grenades. Staff Sergeant Fanesi'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. 72 (January 8, 1970)

FANT, ERNEST L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ernest L. Fant, 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 B-36, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Fant distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 November 1969, while serving as company commander of a Vietnamese strike force during a search and clear mission in Phuoc Long Province. While sweeping a hillside area, Sergeant Fant's unit encountered intense rocket, mortar, and machine gun fire from well- concealed enemy bunkers. Seeking to destroy an enemy machine gun bunker directly to his front, Sergeant Fant and two comrades maneuvered to a position where they could accurately fire on the bunker. As they prepared to assault the bunker, the enemy threw a tear gas grenade at their position and forced them to withdraw. Sergeant Fant and his companions exposed themselves to intense enemy fire as they raced across an open rice paddy to return to their unit. Determined to destroy the enemy machine gun bunker, Sergeant Fant reorganized his scattered unit so that they could provide effective fire support for his next assault. Sergeant Fant again threaded his way through the intense enemy fire toward the bunker position. The enemy machine gunner, now fully aware of the impending danger to his position, unleashed a steady concentration of fire toward Sergeant Fant. Escaping the enemy machine gunner's line of fire, Sergeant Fant threw a grenade through the bunker's aperture and destroyed the machine gun position. Although Sergeant Fant was now the focal point of enemy attention, he maneuvered to a second bunker and destroyed it in the same manner. Sergeant Fant's efforts allowed his unit to assume control of the area and soon forced the eventual retreat of the enemy. Sergeant First Class Fant'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. 3245 (June 3, 1970)

*FARMER, NEIL PHILIP
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Neil Philip Farmer (RA16333431), 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 Troop B, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, Americal Division. Sergeant First Class Farmer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 11 April, 1969 as a platoon sergeant during a search and clear mission near the village of Bao Binh Ha. While he was destroying an unoccupied enemy bunker, his platoon came under heavy automatic weapons fire from a well fortified ambush position. Sergeant Farmer immediately returned to his vehicle, crawling seventy five meters through open rice paddies, receiving wounds in his right arm from the hostile fusillade. Although wounded he directed three tracks in an assault which over ran the communists' strongholds. Enemy fire however, soon erupted from a second location and the lead vehicle sustained several direct hits from antitank and recoilless rifle rounds, wounding or killing the entire crew. Leaving the safety of his own vehicle, Sergeant Farmer crossed the bullet-swept rice paddies to assist the injured in the other vehicle. As the communists intensified their barrage, he mounted the disabled track and was beginning to place suppressive fire on the foe when a rocket-propelled grenade struck the gun shield of his weapon, wounding him fatally. Sergeant First Class Farmer'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. 1951 (June 3, 1969)
Born: October 4, 1931 at Saltsburg, Austria
Home Town: Guilford, Indiana

FARRELLY, HUBERT
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Hubert Farrelly (RA51513471), 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 C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Private First Class Farrelly distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 July 1966 as a medical aidman in an armored ambulance in support of a unit conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Xa An Hoa. While moving toward their objective, the armored troop carriers were suddenly attacked by a large Viet Cong force employing recoilless rifle, mortar and machine gun fire. Almost immediately after the battle began, calls for aid were heard over the radio from the lead tank of the column which had received a direct hit from a Viet Cong recoilless rifle. With complete disregard for his safety, Private First Class Farrelly picked up his aid bag and, without a weapon, jumped from his carrier and ran approximately 200 meters through the bullet swept area to the disabled tank. While exposed to the intense Viet Cong fire, he mounted the tank, administered first aid to the seriously wounded crew and carried them to a covered position. As the hostile fire intensified, several vehicles were hit by the deadly Viet Cong recoilless rifle fire. Private First Class Farrelly continued to brave the hostile fire as he dauntlessly moved among the disabled vehicles, administering first aid and evacuating his fallen comrades. He then returned to the carrier and, although near total exhaustion, began to supply the entire crew with ammunition. Shortly after this, the vehicle directly to the front of his was hit and burst into flames. Unhesitatingly, Private First Class Farrelly rushed to the aid of the stricken victims of the blazing carrier. He climbed over the side of the blazing carrier and disappeared into the flames. In a few seconds, he dragged three wounded comrades from the carrier which threatened to explode at any moment. Although his clothes were on fire, he went back into the carrier to insure that all the crew members were extracted. After this, he attempted to climb out, but fell back into the flames. Struggling against exhaustion, fatigue and painful wounds, he managed to climb out. While performing this heroic act, Private First Class Farrelly suffered first and second degree burns over 60 percent of his body. Private First Class Farrelly'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. 5895 (October 3, 1966)
Home Town: Bronx, New York

FAVREAU, ROBERT A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert A. Favreau, 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, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry, Americal Division. Private First Class Favreau distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 August 1969 while participating in a search and clear operation near Nuoc Luc. His company was descending a ridge when the lead platoon was fired upon from the front and flanks by a company of North Vietnamese regulars occupying fortified bunkers. In an attempt to lessen the effectiveness of the enemy's suppressive fire, Private Favreau made his way under cover fire within meters of one bunker on the right flank and attacked the fortification with hand grenades. When suppressive fire continued from the emplacement, Private Favreau assaulted it a second time, but he enemy fortification again withstood the blasts of hand grenades. Later on in the fighting, Private Favreau saw two comrades fall wounded in an area exposed to hostile fire and quickly moved under fire to their assistance. As he began to move the wounded soldiers to cover, an enemy grenade was thrown into their midst. Without hesitation, Private Favreau gathered up the grenade and hurled it back at the enemy before it exploded. He then dragged his wounded comrades to a safer position where they were given medical assistance. Private Favreau then maneuvered on an enemy bunker to the platoon's left flank. As he rose up to toss a grenade inside the fortification, he was hit in the abdomen by a burst of enemy rifle fire. Despite the severity of his wounds, Private Favreau stubbornly raised himself up and destroyed the bunker's four defenders with a well-placed grenade. Not wanting to endanger his comrades by having them make their way under fire to retrieve him, Private Favreau then crawled some fifteen meters to a position where he could be safely given emergency first aid. Private First Class Favreau'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. 866 (April 15, 1970)

FEINBERG, MARK M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Mark M. Feinberg, Warrant Officer (W-1), 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 170th Aviation Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Warrant Officer Feinberg distinguished himself while piloting a helicopter troop carrier during a rescue operation in the vicinity of Dak To. After monitoring an urgent request for evacuation of a five-man reconnaissance team engaged in heavy enemy contact, Warrant Officer Feinberg and his crew sped to the embattled area. The entire site was enveloped by triple canopy jungle vegetation with no suitable landing zone. As Mister Feinberg's helicopter approached the location of the besieged patrol it encountered intense enemy resistance. Mister Feinberg descended his helicopter until it hovered just above the trees, then lowered ropes for the ground troops. Although the enemy was now concentrating B-40 rockets and machine gun fire at his aircraft, Mister Feinberg chose to remain in this vulnerable position until the men could reach the ropes. Suddenly, an enemy round struck the transmission of the aircraft and necessitated a quick departure with the ground troops dangling from the ropes. Maintaining control of his crippled aircraft, Mister Feinberg guided his airship out of the firing area and flew to the nearest available clearing. After lowering the men to the ground, he successfully landed his damaged craft. Shortly thereafter, an extraction helicopter arrived and rescued the crew members and the survivors of the besieged patrol. Warrant Officer W1 Feinberg'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. 965 (March 20, 1971)

*FERENCE, EDWARD PAUL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Edward Paul Ference (RA33941719), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Ference was serving as assistant patrol leader of a thirteen-man patrol operating in the vicinity of Ap Bau Bang, Republic of Vietnam, forward of the 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Infantry Division's defensive perimeter. In the early morning hours of 12 November 1965 the patrol was surrounded by approximately sixty well-armed Viet Cong. Rather than be ambushed, the patrol leader, using the element of surprise, immediately engaged the vastly superior force in a fierce firefight. During the ensuing battle, Sergeant Ference, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, exposed himself to the murderous insurgent automatic weapons and mortar fire to move among the members of his patrol and direct deadly fire upon the advancing Viet Cong, which resulted in the annihilation of at least twenty insurgents. When the patrol was ordered to withdraw, Sergeant Ference disregarding his own safety, again exposed himself to the murderous hail of hostile fire and covered the withdrawal to the 2d Battalion's defensive perimeter. Sergeant Ference, without personal regard, again rushed through the intense insurgent fire to aid two fallen patrol members, only to find the men mortally wounded and on the verge of death. Upon reaching the defensive perimeter, Sergeant Ference noticed that another comrade was wounded and lying in the midst of the advancing hostile horde. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Ference left the relative safety of his position, and went to the aid of his stricken comrade. During this heroic and valorous attempt, he was mortally wounded. Sergeant Ference'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, Pacific, General Orders No. 42 (February 28, 1966)
Home Town: Ayer, Massachusetts

FERGUSON, KENNETH D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Kenneth D. Ferguson, 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 as American Advisor with Provisional Reconnaissance Unit and Revolutionary Development Cadres, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Major Ferguson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during an enemy attack on 31 January 1968. Immediately after the initial enemy assault, Major Ferguson moved through the streets under hostile fire with another American officer to search for wounded personnel. Seven wound persons were recovered and transported to the hospital. On returning to his compound, he was informed that fifty to sixty Viet Cong had captured and occupied the Province Chief's compound. Major Ferguson, armed with an M-79 grenade launcher, moved quickly to the Provincial compound with three other Americans and four Vietnamese soldiers, providing protective covering fire and resupplying ammunition. For almost two hours, under intense hostile machinegun and rocket fire, Major Ferguson maneuvered from one position to another and fired grenades through windows of the various buildings of the Provincial compound that were occupied by Viet Cong until he was seriously wounded. His aggressiveness, tenacity, and decisive leadership resulted in the enemy being driven from the compound. Major Ferguson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 15 (March 30, 1972)

*FERGUSON, WILLIAM GLEN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William Glen Ferguson (RA23043779), 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, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Ferguson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 August 1967 while serving as platoon leader of a Mobile Guerilla Task Force on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. When another company of the same unit came under attack from a numerically superior Viet Cong force, Sergeant Ferguson immediately volunteered to lead his men to their aid. Upon reaching the scene of the battle, he moved freely among his men directing their assault although exposed to withering automatic weapons fire. An enemy grenade seriously wounded him as he attacked a hostile position, but he refused medical aid and continued to press the offensive. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Ferguson directed deadly fire on the insurgents and hurled numerous grenades into their positions. He moved openly through the bullet-swept area time after time to inspire his men to greater efforts. He was mortally wounded while leading his men with dauntless courage in the face of grave danger. Sergeant First Class Ferguson'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. 4466 (September 1, 1967)
Home Town: Bluffton, Indiana

*FERGUSSON, ROBERT C. L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert C. L. Fergusson (OF-108572), First Lieutenant (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 Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. First Lieutenant Fergusson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 October 1967 while serving as artillery forward observer for an infantry company on a search and destroy mission near Tam Ky. While moving near a dry rice paddy, one platoon of his company was savagely attacked and pinned down by a reinforced North Vietnamese company firing automatic weapons, rockets, and mortars. The fierce attack inflicted heavy casualties on the friendly force, but Lieutenant Fergusson ignored his own safety and moved to relieve the hostile pressure on the beleaguered unit. The enemy soldiers were overrunning the friendly positions when his platoon arrived, but he braved withering fire and fought furiously to regain the positions. He moved into the open to adjust artillery fire on the advancing enemy and treat the wounds of nearby comrades. He assumed command when the other officers were seriously wounded. He was wounded himself while moving among his men to rally them and direct their fire against the determined onslaught, but refused medical aid. He detected several enemy soldiers attempting to capture the wounded company commander and raced through the savage hostile fire to drive them off. He was seriously wounded again but succeeded in repelling the determined Viet Cong with a deadly volume of fire. Although unable to fight on himself because of his wounds, his aggressive leadership inspired his men to fight gallantly until a relief force arrived and routed the enemy after inflicting heavy casualties upon them in a fierce battle. First Lieutenant Fergusson'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. 5862 (November 13, 1967)
Home Town: Monterey, California

*FESKEN, WILLIAM P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William P. Fesken (US51973970), 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 A, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Private First Class Fesken distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 May 1967 while serving as squad leader during combat with a numerically superior Viet Cong force near Ap Bac. Private Fesken led his squad as point element on his company's right flank. As his men advanced, insurgents struck with a tremendous barrage of machine gun, rifle, and grenade fire, leaving only Private Fesken unwounded. After pinning the friendly squad down, the Viet Cong assaulted the squad and attempted to overrun it. Private Fesken refused to withdraw and poured such a volume of fire into their ranks that they retreated. On a second attack, he again stood his ground, driving them off with grenade fire. When the insurgents attempted a third attack, Private Fesken killed two Viet Cong with a grenade and other in hand-to-hand combat. Anticipating further assaults, he crept forward to place a claymore mine in the path of the enemy. While he was mounting the firing device, however, Private Fesken was mortally wounded. Because of his valiant, selfless attempts to protect his fallen comrades, the right flank of the friendly company withstood the hostile assaults. Private First Class Fesken'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. 2280 (May 21, 1967)
Home Town: Hoboken, New Jersey

FIACK, PAUL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Paul Fiack, 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 Detachment A-415, Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. First Lieutenant Fiack distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 November 1969 while serving as senior advisor to a company of Vietnamese civilian irregulars during operations near Chau Kem Caves in the Seven Mountains region of Chau Doc Province. After pounding the irregulars with over two hundred mortar and rocket rounds, two companies of North Vietnamese troops stormed the allies' night positions. Before the enemy bombardment had ceased, Lieutenant Fiack made his way through the hail of fire among his men readying them for the expected ground attack. Although inflicted with multiple fragmentation wounds in the hour and a half barrage, Lieutenant Fiack maintained his position and effectively employed his radio to direct tactical air strikes against the onrushing enemy. Shortly after, another rocket impacted near Lieutenant Fiack's position, wounding him again and destroying his radio. Ignoring his wounds, he immediately secured another radio and continued directing support helicopter gunships and fighter bombers to hostile targets. When the enemy fell back under heavy bombing, Lieutenant Fiack quickly arranged for helicopter ambulances to evacuate his wounded. He carried the assistant advisor, who had suffered critical wounds, to an emergency landing zone. The evacuation helicopter came under heavy ground fire, however, and taking many hits, was forces to lift off without the wounded. Lieutenant Fiack then struggled back to his command post carrying his comrade over the treacherous mountain terrain through persistent enemy sniper fire. When night fell, Lieutenant Fiack began moving his battered force down the mountain toward a prearranged landing zone. Although weakened considerably by his wounds, he took charge of his comrade and carried him down the mountain slope under continuous sniper fire. At one point in their downhill trek, both advisors were again severely wounded when an enemy grenade exploded just feet from them. With uncommon perseverance and devotion to his fellow soldier, Lieutenant Fiack trudged on to the pickup site with his comrade. Once there, he continued to direct air strikes on the advancing enemy until he was persuaded to permit himself to be evacuated. First Lieutenant Fiack'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. 1292 (May 21, 1970)

FIELDS, ELIJA
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Elija Fields (RA14569489), 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, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Sergeant First Class Fields distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 February 1967 while serving as platoon leader during his company's mission to secure a new helicopter landing zone in War Zone D. As the company moved through thick jungle, it was struck suddenly by intense fire from a well entrenched Viet Cong force. Several men were wounded, and the order was given to withdraw. When it was discovered that a severely wounded man lay only ten feet from a hostile emplacement and was unable to move, several attempts were made to save his life. However the insurgents had control of the fields of fire and every attempt was to no avail. At this point, Sergeant Fields volunteered to make the rescue. Having directed his men to place continuous machine gun fire just above him, he crawled and ran to the wounded man's position. He then located and killed the insurgent manning the closest weapon. Disregarding the hostile fire that was still striking all around him, Sergeant Fields rolled the casualty onto a poncho and dragged him to safety. By his calm, clearheaded actions while under intense fire, he saved the life of a wounded comrade who was in critical danger. Platoon Sergeant Fields' 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. 4454 (September 1, 1967)

*FIELDS, LLOYD, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lloyd Fields, Jr. (RA13562235), 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. On 13 April 1966, Sergeant Fields was serving as Lead Scout, Troop E, 17th Cavalry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate), while on the assigned mission of clearing an important road ten miles northwest of Song Be. In the early part of the day, the platoon encountered hostile forces resulting in the destruction of several insurgent sniper nests and breaking up of one Viet Cong ambush. As he started up a small hill, Sergeant Fields spotted several Viet Cong in a position for a carefully planned ambush. He immediately fired on them and while his men were moving up to his position they were pinned down by heavy automatic and small arms fire. Realizing that his men could not move until the closest insurgent machine gun was put out of action, Sergeant Fields, without regard for his own personal safety, stood up and shouted for his comrades to cover him while he assaulted and destroyed the machine gun crew and suppressed much of the small arms fire which enabled his men to catch up with him. Again attempting to move up on the Viet Cong, Sergeant Fields was mortally wounded by a sniper. Sergeant Fields' 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, Pacific, General Orders No. 219 (September 12, 1966)
Home Town: Blackstone, Virginia

*FIGUEROA-MELENDEZ, EFRAIN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Efrain Figueroa-Melendez (581-78-0894), 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 Company D, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Figueroa-Melendez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 March 1969 while on a mission to recover several wounded soldiers from an enemy-infiltrated area west of Kontum. En route to the objective area, his company encountered hostile machine gun and small arms fire and were pinned down. In order to withdraw and regroup successfully, Sergeant Figueroa-Melendez moved forward and laid a devastating suppressive barrage on the enemy bunkers. Three times he purposely drew communist volleys on himself to permit his men to draw back to protected positions. Noticing a wounded soldier dangerously exposed and unable to move, Sergeant Figueroa-Melendez maneuvered to the downed man and proceeded to administer medical aid. Then, when he attempted to evacuate the casualty, he was struck by sniper fire and killed. Staff Sergeant Figueroa-Melendez'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. 2464 (September 8, 1969)
Home Town: Catano, Puerto Rico

FITZPATRICK, JAMES M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James M. Fitzpatrick (US56713088), 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 B, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Fitzpatrick distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 December 1968 while serving as a driver on a re-supply mission near Vinh Kim. A numerically superior enemy force armed with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons ambushed his vehicle, killing one man and wounding the others. Ignoring his own injuries, Specialist Fitzpatrick pulled eleven wounded men from his vehicle, through the raking hostile fire, to a ditch which protected them from further harm. He then moved among his comrades, treating their wounds and organizing those who were able to fight the aggressors. After skillfully applying tourniquets to three men who were in danger of bleeding to death, he ran to his truck and radioed for help. Because of a severe ear injury he was unable to hear, but he stayed in the exposed position and repeated the message to insure it was being transmitted. Observing that the communists had increased their fire and were preventing another man from administering first aid, he stood up in full view of the enemy and engaged them with his pistol. When help arrived, he refused treatment for his wounds and continued to assist other casualties. Specialist Four Fitzpatrick'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. 738 (March 3, 1969)

FLEENER, LARRY D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Larry D. Fleener (OF-112123), 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, 508th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division. First Lieutenant Fleener distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 August 1968 as a platoon leader during a search and destroy operation in Nam Hoa District, Thua Thien Province. When his company became pinned down by intense mortar, rocket, small arms and automatic weapons fire from well-entrenched, numerically superior North Vietnamese Army troops, Lieutenant Fleener led his platoon in an envelopment of the enemy. Despite steep, rocky terrain covered with thick underbrush and sniper fire which wounded four more of his men, he succeeded in maneuvering to the rear of the hostile positions. His force was discovered by an enemy security element and began to receive a heavy automatic weapons barrage. Reacting immediately, Lieutenant Fleener directed rifle fire on the security element and, closing on the nearest bunker with two other men, silenced it with two hand grenades. Led by their valiant commander, who demolished three additional bunkers single-handedly, the platoon systematically destroyed fortification after fortification. His heroism permitted the remainder of the company to sweep forward and annihilate the North Vietnamese. First Lieutenant Fleener'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. 1245 (April 10, 1969)

FLETCHER, LARRY A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Larry A. Fletcher (RA15607302), 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 Company C, 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Staff Sergeant Fletcher distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 September 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an airborne infantry company on a search and destroy operation near Chu Lai. The company's forward platoons were savagely attacked and pinned down by a large Viet Cong force, and Sergeant Fletcher immediately led his men forward to reinforce the embattled elements. After advancing five hundred meters, his force came under a murderous enemy barrage from sell-concealed bunkers to the front. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Fletcher, accompanied by one of his squad leaders, attacked the hostile emplacements with rifles and grenades. Enemy grenades landed all around him as the assaulted, but he refused to take cover, picked up the grenades, and hurled them into the insurgents' bunkers. Fighting his way through a withering hail of bullets, he succeeded in destroying four fortifications. As he again led his men forward, they were hit a second time by intense automatic weapons fire from the front. Once more ignoring his welfare, Sergeant Fletcher charged the enemy position. Despite bullets striking all around him, he reached hand grenade range and destroyed the hostile bunker with a deadly throw. As they neared the trapped platoons, his troops came under heavy fire a third time. Armed with enemy grenades captured earlier, Sergeant Fletcher and his squad leader assaulted the last bunker complex through a curtain of fire. Maneuvering from bunker to bunker while the Viet Cong concentrated fire on him, Sergeant Fletcher demolished four positions with grenade and rifle fire and forced the remaining enemy to flee the battlefield. His fearless actions in the heat of battle resulted in the destruction of nine bunkers and the elimination of eighteen enemy soldiers. Staff Sergeant Fletcher'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. 886 (February 27, 1968)

FLOODY, HAROLD V., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Harold V. Floody, Jr. (OF-109544), Captain (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 Battery B, 4th Battalion, 42d Artillery, 2d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Captain Floody distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 11 to 13 November 1966 while commanding a battery of the 42d Artillery supporting an engaged infantry battalion. After being helilifted into a landing zone with an advance reconnaissance team on 11 November, Captain Floody saw another helicopter shot down by nearby enemy emplacements. Unmindful of the danger, he dauntlessly exposed himself to direct the landing of two howitzers, and immediately engaged the hostile positions, knocking them out of action. Despite sporadic enemy attacks during the next day, he coordinated the establishment of the artillery fire base and the infantry command post. Early that night, the base suddenly came under intense mortar attack from a reinforced North Vietnamese battalion. When the initial barrage disrupted communications, Captain Floody left his covered position and ran through the exploding mortar rounds to the command post. Determining the location of the hostile positions, he fearlessly charged back across the ravaged area to his battery and began directing the return fire. Contemptuous of the fierce enemy attack, Captain Floody moved among his howitzers, encouraging the crews, redistributing ammunition, and organizing the treatment of the casualties. Seriously wounded twice in the back by shrapnel, he ignored the extreme pain and continued to direct the defense throughout the remainder of the thirteen-hour battle. His unrelenting courage and inspiring example enabled his men to hold their positions against overwhelming odds and inflict heavy casualties on the fanatic enemy. Captain Floody'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. 1377 (March 27, 1967)

*FLOYD, ALVIN WINSLOW
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Alvin Winslow Floyd (260624471), 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 Team 38, Company F (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Floyd distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 April 1970, while serving as team leader of a ranger team inserted deep within enemy territory. Upon insertion, the team came under intense small arms fire from a numerically superior enemy force. Sergeant First Class Floyd took charge of his scattered elements and directed them against the enemy. Through his efforts, an enemy machine gun bunker was destroyed and the enemy was forced to retreat. After moving about eighty-five meters from the landing zone, the team encountered the enemy again and became pinned down by accurate hostile rocket and machine gun fire coming from three sides. Discovering that enemy small arms fire had severed the radio headset cord, Sergeant First Class Floyd exposed himself to enemy fire as he stood up and directed friendly gunship fire on the enemy positions. When another ranger was wounded and required medical treatment, Sergeant First Class Floyd and another comrade moved to his side. As the enemy fire intensified and became concentrated on the three figures, Sergeant First Class Floyd arose and advanced toward the enemy in an apparent effort to shield his comrades. As he moved forward, he was mortally wounded by an enemy rocket propelled grenade. Sergeant First Class Floyd'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. 3244 (July 14, 1970)
Home Town: Augusta, Georgia

*FLOYD, ROBERT GENE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert Gene Floyd (267-74-9134), 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, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Specialist Four Floyd distinguished himself while serving as a member of a night offensive position in Phu Yen Province. During the late evening hours of 31 March 1970, specialist Floyd and his squad were positioned outside a small Vietnamese village when they were attacked by a numerically superior force of enemy soldiers. During the initial attack, the friendly machine gun position was heavily damaged by the enemy fire. Specialist Floyd disregarded the devastating enemy fire to run to the aid of the disabled machine gun crew. After administering to the wounded crew, Specialist Floyd carried the machine gun to the heaviest point of enemy contact. From his exposed position, Specialist Floyd placed devastating fire on the enemy elements forcing them to retreat. The enemy regrouped and launched a second attack and advanced to within thirty meters of Specialist Floyd's position. However, the determined defensive fire of Specialist Floyd and his comrades again repulsed the enemy. The enemy regrouped and launched a third attack on the position from a different direction. Specialist Floyd moved through the intense enemy fire again to position his machine gun at the heaviest point of enemy contact. As his comrades fell wounded beside him, Specialist Floyd refused to withdraw. He continued placing devastating machine gun fire on the enemy until he was killed instantly by a barrage of enemy rocket fire. Specialist Floyd'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. 2067 (June 26, 1970)
Home Town: Fort Myers, Florida

*FONTAINE, MICHAEL ARTHUR
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Michael Arthur Fontaine (RA12870319), 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, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Fontaine distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 January 1969 as a medic during a search and clear mission northeast of Quan Loi. His company made contact with an estimated reinforced company sized North Vietnamese Army force which was concealed in the underbrush and was armed with rockets, mortars, and both semiautomatic and automatic weapons. Repeatedly exposing himself to the hostile fire, Specialist Fontaine treated the members of his platoon who were wounded and brought them to a central location where they could be evacuated. When the communists launched a massive ground assault, he fearlessly moved to the area of the fiercest fighting and continued to care for his suffering comrades. Suddenly a enemy mortar round exploded near an automatic weapon position, wounding three soldiers. Despite the heavy concentration of hostile fire directed at the site, he rushed forward to their aid. After he had bandaged two of the men and was nearing the third, the aggressors' fire suddenly intensified. Specialist Fontaine threw himself on the man to protect him and was mortally wounded by the enemy fusillade, but saved the life of his stricken comrade. Specialist Four Fontaine'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. 1413 (April 23, 1969)
Home Town: New Orleans, Louisiana

FORD, RUBEN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ruben H. Ford (RA12685046), 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 Military Advisory Detachment, 23d Infantry Division, United States Army Advisory Group, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Ford distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 August 1967 as assistant operations advisor to an armored unit on a reaction mission in the hamlet of Vinh Phu. His unit was called upon to reinforce an infantry unit engaged in combat with a North Vietnamese Army battalion. Arriving at the raging battlefield, Sergeant Ford's armored personnel carrier was subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons, recoilless rifle, rocket and mortar fire. Although seriously wounded by the fusillade, he fearlessly continued to expose himself to the savage barrage to maintain the momentum of his unit's attack. Unhesitatingly moving into the area of heaviest contact, Sergeant Ford pinpointed North Vietnamese troop concentration and crew-served weapons, enabling accurate air strikes and artillery fire to be placed on the enemy positions. His personnel carrier received a direct hit from a recoilless rifle, wounding half of the crew members. Heedless of the relentless attack directed to his disabled vehicle, he manned one of his mounted machine guns and raked advancing North Vietnamese soldiers with a deadly hail of bullets. Refusing medical attention for himself, Sergeant Ford administered skillful first aid to his wounded comrades and supervised their evacuation. He then continued to brave withering enemy fire to load machine guns and place fierce fire on the hostile force until the remaining crew members had withdrawn to defensive positions. His gallant and inspiring leadership in the head of battle saved the lives of many fellow soldiers. Staff Sergeant Ford'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. 2649 (June 1, 1968)

*FOREMAN, JAMES LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Lee Foreman (US55843405), 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 B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Sergeant Foreman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 May 1967 while serving as squad leader of a weapons platoon during a search and destroy mission in Pleiku Province. Sergeant Foreman's platoon was sent forward of his company to provide security for the main force. As the unit was passing through a small river draw, Viet Cong opened fire from all sides. During the ensuing battle, Sergeant Foreman began seeking the hostile emplacements most dangerous to his men. Spotting an enemy machine gun, he used only the cover of small trees to move in on the weapon, then rushed into an open area and threw two grenades into the position, silencing it. Continuing on, he attempted to cross a small stream, but was hit in the thigh. Nevertheless, he crawled downstream through sniper fire and succeeded in making it to the other side. Again using only light cover, he moved up to a position which revealed three Viet Cong machine guns in a heavily constructed bunker. Sergeant Foreman scored a direct hit with an antitank weapon and demolished that hostile position. He then returned to his men, giving them encouragement and treating the wounded, although ignoring his own wound. In an attempt to overrun his squad, the insurgents wounded the radio operator who lay forward of the friendly perimeter. Sergeant Foreman immediately moved from his position to get him. In this attempt to save his comrade, he was mortally wounded by intense sniper fire. Sergeant Foreman'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. 3827 (July 26, 1967)
Home Town: Warsaw, Indiana

FRAKER, WILLIAM W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William W. Fraker (0-4010786), Captain (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 145th Combat Aviation Battalion. After an attack which took place at approximately 0100 hours, 10 June 1965, the Vietnamese hamlet of Dong Xoai was overrun by a Viet Cong force of approximately regimental size and a nearby military compound was being subjected to a heavy barrage of insurgent fire. At about 1000 hours, Captain Fraker and two other American pilots were assigned the mission of flying their armed UH-1B helicopters to the battle area; conducting a low level reconnaissance to determine the Viet Cong strength, fire capability and effectiveness; and selecting and marking troop landing zones. Two different helicopter troop lifts of Vietnamese army personal, whose forces totaled approximately battalion size strength, were dispatched to the selected landing sites which were previously flare marked by Captain Fraker and the other two Americans. After being at the battle site for only a few minutes, the friendly Vietnamese troops were completely annihilated due to the manpower superiority of the insurgent force. Word was received that several Americans and Vietnamese were still holding the besieged compound. Plans were then initiated to evacuate the besieged force. Captain Fraker volunteered to fly his aircraft to escort three rescue helicopters. Upon reaching the embattled compound all aircraft became subjected to a heavy volume of hostile fire and each received hits from the insurgent barrage. After landing, only two of the three rescue craft were able to evacuate the personnel from the compound. The third was badly damaged and grounded during the operation. One American and three Vietnamese soldiers remained in the compound to cover the airlift of the heavily overloaded and damaged evacuation helicopters. Realizing the fate of the gallant defenders and the fact that his was the only aircraft immediately available for any further evacuation attempt, Captain Fraker with complete disregard for his own personal safety, maneuvered his helicopter through the thick hail of hostile fire to a landing between two earth mounds within the compound. Once on the ground, the UH-1B became the subject of all insurgent fire and a group of Viet Cong made a suicidal charge to the airship. Captain Fraker then rallied his crewmen in a desperate attempt to ward off the onrushing horde while he expertly piloted the dangerously overloaded helicopter precariously and slowly once again through the heavy concentration of hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Despite the superior Viet Cong firepower, Captain Fraker successfully piloted his helicopter through the murderous barrage and effected the safe and final evacuation of all personnel from the besieged compound. Captain Fraker's extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action 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. 310 (October 22, 1965)

*FRANKLIN, EUGENE DELANO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Eugene Delano Franklin (0-4062708), 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 24 June 1965, Captain Franklin was serving as Senior Advisor to the 1st Battalion, 45th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division, army of the Republic of Vietnam, whose mission was to locate and destroy a hostile contingent which had earlier seized a civilian convoy. As the 1st battalion proceeded in convoy along National Highway 21, they were ambushed by a well-concealed and strategically located Viet Cong unit which had secured control of over two miles of the highway and neighboring terrain. Immediately upon receiving the initial barrage of hostile mortar, automatic weapons, and small arms fire, Captain Franklin, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved forward to locate hostile positions and evaluate the over-all situation. After personally accounting for the destruction of two insurgent positions, he moved among the friendly troops, giving advice, encouragement, and accurate fire direction guidance. After achieving a stabilization of his forces, Captain Franklin rallied the embattled battalion to move forward, take the offensive, and dislodge the hostile force from their tactically superior positions. As Captain Franklin moved forward with the maneuver elements of the attacking friendly force, he was mortally wounded by a hail of hostile fire which had been directed towards his advanced position for more than forty-five minutes. Captain Franklin's extraordinary heroism, gallantry in action, and supreme sacrifice 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. 255 (August 11, 1965)
Home Town: Johnson City, Tennessee

*FRANKLIN, JAMES ANTHONY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Anthony Franklin (421-66-7229), 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, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Franklin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 March 1969 while serving as assistant leader of a point team on a reconnaissance patrol near Polei Kleng. The team was ascending a ridge when suddenly assaulted by a force of North Vietnamese regulars. The assailants were quickly overcome, but snipers in trees and holes along the ridge continued to place harassing fire upon the company's main force to the team's rear and forced it to withdraw, leaving the point team isolated. Several hours later the team began to move back to regain contact with the company. They came upon a bunker and tunnel complex and flushed out what resistance they met. Heavy sniper fire then descended upon them. They hastily scattered, pursued by streams of machine gun fire. Specialist Franklin dived into a foxhole and was followed by the team leader. The two leaders had completely lost contact with their fellow team members. Impacting rockets and machine gun fire restricted their movement. They hurled grenades at the machine gun and eliminated its suppressive fire. Together they crawled to the quieted machine gun emplacement and from there overcame three more enemy. The two men then took foot for their unit, but were again blocked by machine gun and small arms fire. They pitched grenades on the machine gun and silenced it, but enemy riflemen continued to harass them. Specialist Franklin was pinned down and severely wounded in the knee. Ignoring his wound, he radioed in and accurately adjusted helicopter gunship fire on the harassing riflemen. At dusk, he and his comrade resumed their frustrated withdrawal, the team leader carrying Specialist Franklin until exhausted. After resting they pressed on, the exhausted team leader plodding along in front and Specialist Franklin crawling slowly behind. They covered some distance and were suddenly met with bursts of small arms fire and exploding grenades from a nearby bunker. Seeing that his comrade had been temporarily blinded by the grenade flashes, Specialist Franklin crawled unnoticed up to the enemy bunker and unleashed his last grenade. The ensuing blast wounded him severely. Knowing that there was nothing his comrade could to for him, he selflessly encouraged the soldier to return to the unit and safety. Specialist Four Franklin'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. 3299 (August 26, 1969)
Home Town: Prichard, Alabama

*FREPPON, JOHN DENNIS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John Dennis Freppon (RA11654412), Staff Sergeant [then 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 E, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Freppon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 February 1969 as a squad leader for a platoon which was conducting a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Lai Khe. Sergeant Freppon was serving as point man when he was suddenly pinned to the ground by fragmentation and rocket- propelled grenades and automatic weapons fire from well-concealed North Vietnamese Army troops. Fearing that his men would be trapped by the devastating hostile fire, he stood up to warn them of the entrenched enemy. Then, with complete disregard for his safety, he charged through the fusillade toward a North Vietnamese bunker. Although he was wounded repeatedly, he continued his assault on the fortification. He succeeded in destroying the bunker, and was stopped only when the was mortally wounded by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade. His courage and self-sacrifice prevented many of his comrades from being killed or wounded. Staff Sergeant Freppon'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. 1424 (April 23, 1969)
Home Town: Cincinnati, Ohio

*FRERICKS, LOUIS WAYNE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Louis Wayne Frericks (326-38-8213), 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 C, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Frericks distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 March 1969 while serving as platoon leader during a night ambush operation near Lai Khe. As his element moved toward a rendezvous point, an enemy force assaulted the patrol with claymore mines, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades. Lieutenant Frericks quickly deployed his men into defensive positions to return fire on the hostile force. Learning that two of his flank security men had been wounded in the initial enemy barrage, he immediately braved the intense fusillade to assist the two casualties to safety. While he was heroically administering lifesaving first aid to one of the injured men, he was critically wounded by small arms fire. First Lieutenant Frericks' 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. 2525 (July 12, 1969)
Home Town: Kings, Illinois

FRIEDRICH, ROBERT L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert L. Friedrich, 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 Company B, 3d Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Captain Friedrich distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 September 1968 while serving as company commander of a combat operation near Trung Lap. When one platoon came under enemy fire at their landing zone, Captain Friedrich disembarked from his command and control helicopter to lead another platoon to the assistance of the beleaguered men. Receiving light fire upon landing, they soon overpowered the resistance and proceeded toward the area of conflict. Having established a position in a hedgerow, Captain Friedrich and two radio-telephone operators moved out toward the pinned-down men. Immediately they came under intense fire which wounded one of the radio men. Captain Friedrich applied first aid to the injured man, but to no avail. Pressing on to the imperiled element, he reorganized his men and led them back to the hedgerow. He then employed artillery and air strikes as near as fifty meters from his position to force the enemy back, thus allowing the dead and wounded to be evacuated. As darkness approached, he led his men to the safety of a defensive position which was being prepared by other elements of the battalion. Captain Friedrich'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. 2893 (July 29, 1969)

FRIEND, RICHARD E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard E. Friend (US52642163), 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 595th Engineer Company, 86th Engineer Battalion, 34th Engineer Group, United States Army Engineer Command, Vietnam. Specialist Four Friend distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 May 1967 while traveling with a convoy on a re-supply mission near Soui Cat. As the convoy moved down the highway toward a base camp, it was savagely attacked by a large Viet Cong force firing mortars, recoilless rifles and automatic weapons from the undergrowth on both sides of the road. Specialist Friend was thrown to the ground when a recoilless rifle round hit his jeep, killed the driver, and spun the vehicle into a ditch. He lost his weapon when the vehicle overturned, and was pinned down by heavy fire from the advancing insurgents. As the assault intensified, he saw an enemy soldier moving toward an armored personnel carrier with a satchel charge. Completely disregarding his own safety, Specialist Friend stood up in the withering barrage and dashed to the carrier under a hail of bullets. Armed only with a knife, he leaped on the insurgent and fought a fierce hand-to-hand battle with the enemy soldier, killing him before he could destroy the carrier. His fearless action, at great risk to his life in the heat of battle was responsible for saving the lives of several comrades in the carrier. Specialist Four Friend'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. 6371 (December 11, 1967)

FRY, JERRY R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jerry R. Fry, 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 Company B, 101st Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Captain Fry distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 April 1968 while serving as commander of a fire team helicopter assault north of Ap Nam Phu in Thua Thien Province. While moving toward the village, a friendly element came under heavy fire from enemy automatic weapons, mortars, and rocket-propelled grenades and incurred several casualties, including the platoon leader. Medical evacuation was diffic