EVANS, DANIEL EDWARD, JR.
Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army
Company B, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: March 25, 1969
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented 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 wood line 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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3293 (August 26, 1969)
FARRELLY, HUBERT
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
Date of Action: July 9, 1966
Synopsis:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Hubert Farrelly, 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 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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5895 (October 3, 1966) *FONTAINE, MICHAEL ARTHUR
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Company C, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division
Date of Action: January 10, 1969
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Michael Arthur Fontaine, 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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1413 (April 23, 1969)
Home Town: New Orleans, Louisiana FULTON, WILLIAM B.
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
1st Battalion (Attached), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade,
Date of Action: October 5, 1965
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William B. Fulton, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 October 1965, Specialist Fulton was attached as a medical corpsman to the 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade which was participating in a battalion-sized search and destroy mission in the vicinity of Hill 55, War Zone "D", Republic of Vietnam. During the course of action, the second platoon of Company A had accumulated approximately twenty casualties while acting as the assault force on the Viet Cong left flank and were now in dire need of medical assistance. Notwithstanding the fact hat he had sustained a painful shoulder wound earlier in the battle, Specialist Fulton refused to be evacuated and continued to aid wounded men of the embattled platoon. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he exposed himself on numerous occasions to the intense hostile automatic weapons and mortar fire to administer first aid to the wounded and curtain certain death. While performing these critical duties, he sustained a second wound but still refused medical aid and evacuation until the battle had subsided and all the wounded personnel were evacuated. Upon arriving at the casualty collection point, Specialist Fulton's professional competence and devotion to duty, despite his own painful wounds, were determining factors in saving the lives of at least ten men. Specialist Four Fulton'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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 17 (January 27, 1966) GASKIN, GORDON W.
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division
Date of Action: January 3, 1968
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gordon W. Gaskin, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Gaskin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 January 1968 while serving as a medical aidman at Landing Zone Leslie in the Que Son Valley. His unit's perimeter was hit by a North Vietnamese barrage of rocket, mortar, recoilless rifle, automatic and semiautomatic weapon fire, followed by a vicious ground assault which resulted in fierce hand-to-hand combat in many areas. Specialist Gaskin exposed himself to the heavy volume of hostile fire as he moved to the perimeter in search of wounded soldiers. Although he was frequently fired on by the enemy, he fearlessly rescued his injured comrades and brought them to his aid station. During the seven-hour battle Specialist Gaskin treated over fifty casualties, sterilizing pieces of clothing to construct makeshift bandages after he had exhausted all his medical supplies. By repeatedly quitting his protected position to help his fellow soldiers, he saved many lives. Specialist Four Gaskin'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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5179 (November 6, 1968) *HAINES, JOHN LODA
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
Date of Action: March 6, 1968
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Loda Haines, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Haines distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 March 1968 as medical aidman for an infantry platoon conducting a sweep and secure mission near Hoc Mon. As his unit moved into a dense wood line, it was subjected to intense small arms, automatic weapons, and anti-tank rocket fire from an enemy force of unknown size. Five members of his platoon were seriously wounded by the initial burst of savage hostile fire. Fearlessly exposing himself to the withering fusillade, Specialist Haines raced forward to assist his stricken comrades. With bullets striking all around him, he courageously moved from one casualty to another, administering first aid. Specialist Haines was hit while treating one of the soldiers, but disregarded his wound and continued his lifesaving mission. Observing his platoon sergeant severely wounded and lying in an open area raked by enemy machine gun fire, he rushed to the man and began attending him. Specialist Haines was instantly killed by the machine gun fire while applying the last bandage to his fallen comrade. His gallant and determined actions in close combat saved the lives of several fellow soldiers. Specialist Four Haines' 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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1839 (May 22, 1967)
Home Town: Vandalia, Michigan *HALL, BILLIE ALLEN
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces
Date of Action: March 9, 1966
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Billie Allen Hall, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. On 9 March 1966, Special Forces Detachment A-102 at Camp Ashau was subjected to a mortar barrage and small arms fire. After a day of continuous enemy bombardment, Camp A Shau was attacked by two North Vietnamese Regiments. With the advantage of surprise, superior firepower and bad weather the enemy hurled wave after wave of troops at the weakening defenses on Camp A Shau. The vicious battle forced the evacuation of the camp, and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Sergeant Hall, a medic, had accompanied a company of one hundred and forty-three men to reinforce Camp A Shau. When the attack started, Sergeant Hall grabbed his weapon and aid kit and ran from his quarters. Seeing many wounded in the center of the camp he ran through the enemy fire to assist in dragging the wounded to safety and treating them. Throughout the bombardment, he ran from position to position treating the wounded. Seeing two wounded Americans lying on a road in the center of the camp in the midst of numerous mortar explosions, Sergeant Hall ran to their aid. With enemy mortar rounds bursting all around him, he reached the two men and dragged them into a ditch and gave them medical aid. A direct hit on this trench killed one of the wounded Americans, an interpreter and wounded two other Americans nearby. Although Sergeant Hall had both his legs blown off when this round exploded, he refused medical attention. Being the only qualified medic at that location, he realized his responsibility to the wounded. Only after these men were treated and moved did he allow himself to be carried to the dispensary. On reaching the dispensary, though in extreme pain and weak from great loss of blood, Sergeant Hall permitted only slight treatment of his severe wounds to stem the flow of blood so he might live longer to direct operations at the aid station. Through an interpreter, he directed indigenous medics in caring for the wounded. He continued this gallant task until his body could withstand no more the demands being placed upon it, and he lapsed into a coma and died. Sergeant Hall's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the cost of his own life, was a continuous inspiration to the entire garrison of Camp A Shau. His sacrifice was the spark needed to ignite the flame of desire in each man to repulse the relentless enemy as long as means were available. Sergeant Hall's unimpeachable valor in close combat was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 18 (April 18, 1967)
Home Town: Sand Springs, Oklahoma *HARDISON, ROBERT SMITH
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d. Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
Date of Action: March 27, 1969
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert Smith Hardison, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Private First Class Hardison distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 March 1969 as a platoon medic during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Landing Zone Cider in Kontum Province. The men in the point element engaged several North Vietnamese Army soldiers. As the remainder of the platoon moved forward to assist them, ferocious B-40 rocket, mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire erupted from three sides. Seeing numerous casualties in the enemy killing zone, Private Hardison repeatedly braved the devastating fire to administer medical treatment and instruct others in caring for the injured. Rescuing the wounded from under the communist' fusillade, he brought them to his unit's hastily formed defensive perimeter. As the platoon was about to withdraw, he made a final check of the area where the point element had first made contact and spotted a wounded soldier lying exposed to fierce enemy fire. Racing to the casualty, he shielded the man with his own body and was administering lifesaving first aid when he was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. Private First Class Hardison'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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2199 (June 23, 1969)
Home Town: Nashville, Tennessee HAYNIE, HARRIS R.
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
Date of Action: May 27, 1967
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harris R. Haynie, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Haynie distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 May 1967 while serving as a combat medic of an infantry platoon on a reconnaissance mission near Duc Pho. While moving through thick jungle toward Viet Cong positions spotted earlier from the air, the lead elements of his platoon were pinned down by heavy automatic weapons, mortar and machine gun fire from a numerically superior hostile force. Seeing two of the point men wounded, Specialist Haynie ran through withering fire from his position at the rear of the column to treat them. Seriously wounded by grenade fragments, he refused medical treatment and carried the casualties to safety. Two squads of reinforcements managed to land inside the perimeter, but one man was hit and fell into the open landing zone. Disregarding his own safety, Specialist Haynie dashed across the bullet-swept clearing and pulled the man to safety. A short time later an ammunition re-supply helicopter was shot down in flames outside the perimeter, trapping the crew inside. Once again he braved withering fire and a possible explosion to run to the craft and pull the men from the wreckage. Throughout the three-hour battle, he exposed himself continually to hostile fire, treating the wounded and boosting the morale of his comrades. Specialist Four Haynie'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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5070 (October 4, 1967) HOOK, WILLIAM W.
Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army
82d Medical Detachment, 658th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade,
Date of Action: March 26, 1967
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William W. Hook, Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with the 82d Medical Detachment, 658th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade. Specialist Five Hook distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 March 1967 while serving as Air Ambulance Aidman of an aeromedical helicopter, supporting infantry operations in the Tam Binh district. While landing to rescue the crew of a crippled assault helicopter, Specialist Hook's craft took several hits from a heavy barrage of enemy automatic weapons. The helicopter touched down within fifty meters of the hostile positions, but with complete disregard for his own safety, he dashed from the craft to aid two of the crewmembers of the downed plane and guide them back through the hail of fire. As the Viet Cong fire concentrated on the rescue operations, he exposed himself time after time to direct the loading of the casualties and aid the wounded. Noticing an enemy machine gun nearby, Specialist Hook grabbed a rifle and began to fire on the position. Hostile fire knocked the rifle from his hands, but he ignored his own safety and remained exposed to aid his now wounded crewchief. He was injured when his plane was shot down on takeoff, but he refused aid and immediately began calling in air strikes on the enemy using the plane's radio. He then moved toward friendly positions carrying a wounded comrade. When the evacuation helicopters arrived, he sprinted from cover and led his men through withering fire to the planes. Looking back, he saw a wounded man in need of assistance and daringly returned to help him to safety. Once more before takeoff he ignored his own security to jump off the helicopter and brave the bullet- swept battlefield to rescue a comrade unable to move. Specialist Five Hook'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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4738 (September 18, 1967) *HORST, ROBERT L.
Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army
283rd Medical Detachment
Date of Action: 7 April 1972
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Warrant Officer Robert Louis Horst, United States Army (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 7 April 1972 while serving as the Aircraft Commander of an unarmed medical evacuation helicopter in the 283d Medical Detachment, while attempting to evacuate three American advisors and one Army of the Republic of Vietnam captain after their convoy had been ambushed by an estimated battalion of highly trained North Vietnamese troops north of the city of An Loc, Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Horst heard about the stranded, critically-wounded Americans, who at the time were completely surrounded by the North Vietnamese ground element, as he flew out to evacuate an American medic who had been wounded while his crew unsuccessfully attempted to extract the besieged Americans. After landing at the staging area of Song Be, chief Warrant Officer Horst received a briefing during which he was informed that the enemy was in possession of numerous anti-aircraft weapons, and the continuous air strikes delivered to the enemy element had been to no avail in slaking the withering fire directed on any and all aircraft attempting to fly in the vicinity. Chief Warrant Officer Horst demonstrating indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, elected to go to the site and attempt a rescue. Although three attempts had been previously made to extract the wounded personnel, they had all bee repulsed by the deadly hail of enemy fire. At the site the enemy troops began to make bold advances on the American position despite heavy rocket attacks by the helicopter gunships. Chief Warrant Officer Horst sensing that any further delay might cost the lives of the wounded on the ground, began his approach and landed on the highway. When he did not immediately see the wounded Americans, he hovered down the highway amidst withering fire directed at him from all positions around the aircraft. It was during this heroic and humane attempt to locate the survivors, that chief Warrant Officer Horst was struck and killed by enemy fire. Chief Warrant Officer Horst's feats of gallantry were an inspiration to all who observed and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.
General Order: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (October 27, 1972)
Home of Record: Springfield, MO HOUTHOOFD, CHARLES
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Troop D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment,
Date of Action: July 18, 1968
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles Houthoofd, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Specialist Four Houthoofd distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on July 18, 1968, while serving as a medical aidman for an armored cavalry unit. During a mounted sweep through a rubber plantation near Loc Ninh his element was suddenly engaged by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force which unleashed with a withering volume of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire. One of the tanks immediately received three direct hits from enemy antitank projectiles, severing one man's leg and injuring the vehicle's entire crew. Specialist Houthoofd, with total disregard for his safety, dismounted the vehicle in which he was riding and dashed one hundred meters through intense hostile fire to help his wounded comrades. He rapidly administered first aid to them and remained in the extremely vulnerable position to give vital intravenous transfusions. Suddenly an enemy rocket grenade detonated close to Specialist Houthoofd, rupturing both of his ear drums and wounding him in the right arm and groin. Refusing medical aid and evacuation for himself, he remained on the battlefield to care for other casualties until the fighting ended three and a half hours later. Specialist Four Houthoofd'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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4772 (October 14, 1968) HUNT, TOM C.
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
Date of Action: July 12, 1970
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Tom C. Hunt, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Hunt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 July 1970 while serving s medical aidman during combat operations in Phuoc Long Province. During contact with a determined and well-equipped enemy element, the allies suffered numerous casualties. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, Specialist Hunt moved through the contact area to treat wounded soldiers. After stabilizing the condition of several casualties, he removed them to rear positions and prepared them for helicopter evacuation. At this time, the specialist was informed that two other allied medical aidmen had been fatally wounded in the forward contact area. Without hesitation, he maneuvered to a forward position and treated two seriously wounded soldiers. When an exploding enemy rocket seriously wounded a nearby allied machine gunner, Specialist Hunt immediately went to his aid. Although wounded several times by an enemy machine gun as he treated his patient, the specialist continued his treatment until he collapsed from loss of blood. Specialist Four Hunt'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.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5008 (November 4, 1970) HUNTER, RUSSELL L.
Captain (Medical Corps), U.S. Army
Date of Action: October 20 - 26, 1965
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Russell L. Hunter, Captain (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 October 1965, the Special Forces camp at Plei Me came under attack by a North Vietnamese regiment. In the early stages of the siege, heavy casualties were sustained by the hard- pressed defenders. Realizing that a mass casualty situation existed and the requirement for helicopter evacuation, Captain Hunter volunteered to fly into the camp by helicopter in order to provide professional on-the- spot medical care. Immediately upon landing, Captain Hunter began treating and sorting the many wounded under the most adverse conditions of hostile fire and limited facilities. Throughout the attack, he continually exposed himself to hostile small arms and mortar fire in order to retrieve and administer first aid to the wounded. By his presence on the ground, he was able to ascertain when medical evacuation was absolutely necessary, thereby reducing risk to the helicopter pilot and his crew. To minimize the ground time spent by the rescue helicopters in the battle areas, he personally sorted the more seriously wounded and dead troops and efficiently supervised their evacuation. In doing so he was wounded himself by mortar fragments. Despite his wounds and with complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to sort, treat and administer first aid to the wounded, before tending to his own wounds. Captain Hunter's courage under fire and his professional ability set and example for many other heroic acts by the defenders. His impact on the morale of the Plei Me Garrison contributed immeasurably to the successful defense of the camp. By his voluntary entry into a dangerous situation, he was not only able to save numerous lives but to instill a greater will to resist among the defenders. Captain Hunter's actions and example during six days of constant exposure to hostile fire was a source of inspiration to his comrades. His extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
General Orders: HQ US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 162 (1966) |
