Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Benedict Maher Davan, 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 B-55, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Staff Sergeant Davan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 March 1969 as company commander of a mobile strike force company during a search and clear operation against the enemy strongholds of Coto Mountain in Chau Doc Province. Sergeant Davan's company came under intense sniper, machine gun and B-40 rocket fire from a well-camouflaged site located among the tall boulders and cave complexes. Seeing that his troops were confused and becoming disorganized, he exposed himself to the hostile fusillade to encourage them and then led a small element through withering machine gun fire to a vantage point. After instructing these men to lay down covering fire, he single-handedly assaulted the communists and placed such deadly fire on them that their position was destroyed and eleven of them surrendered. Sergeant Davan's company regrouped and continued on until they again came under heavy machine gun fire, wounding three men and pinning them down. Sergeant Davan courageously rescued two of the casualties and was approaching a third when he was shot and killed by an enemy sniper. Staff Sergeant Davan'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.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1692 (May 13, 1969)
  

David, Kenneth J.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Kenneth J. David, 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, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Private First Class David distinguished himself while serving as radio-telephone operator during combat operations at an allied fire support base. During the early morning hours of 7 May 1970, Private David's company came under an intense attack from a large hostile force. Supported by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire, the enemy inflicted numerous casualties upon the allies and left Private David alone to defend his portion of the defensive perimeter. Unleashing a barrage of automatic weapons fire, he bitterly resisted all enemy efforts to overrun his position. When the enemy began to toss satchel charges in the direction of the wounded allied soldiers, Private David began to shout in a manner which attracted the enemy's attention away from the allied casualties. Refusing to withdraw in the face of the concentrated fire now directed toward him, he continued to resist the attackers in a determined manner. Although wounded by an exploding satchel charge and running perilously low on ammunition, he tossed hand grenades toward the attackers to effectively counter their fire. Then after allied reinforcements fought their way to his position, Private David carried a wounded comrade to a sheltered position and returned to the contact area to engage the enemy until they broke contact and fled. Private First Class David'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.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5165 (November 26, 1970)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Donald F. Davidson, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Sergeant Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 March 1969 while serving as a platoon leader during a combat sweep operation near Tap An Bac. As his platoon was moving toward the village, Sergeant Davidson spotted five North Vietnamese soldiers through the thick bamboo thickets. He shouted a warning to his platoon and led an assault against the enemy. After eliminating the hostile troops, he continued to flush out additional enemy soldiers, killing several and capturing weapons and documents. Seeing a contingent of North Vietnamese attempting to reach a bunker, he rushed in to cut off their approach. He then directed his men in destroying the fortification. Regrouping his element, he continued the assault toward the hamlet. When he was wounded in the shoulder, he refused to let any of his men evacuate him and remained to rally his platoon until the enemy forces were completely defeated. Sergeant Davidson'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.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2708 (July 17, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas A. Davidson, Major (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Advisory Team 47, Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support (Cords) Military Region 3. Major Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 5 April 1972 to 11 April 1972 while serving as District Senior Advisor, Loc Ninh District, Binh Long Province, Military Region 3, Republic of Vietnam. On 5 April 1972, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched a major offensive with the objective of capturing Binh Long Province in Military Region 3. The 5th Viet Cong Division was targeted against Loc Ninh, the capitol of Loc Nin District in northern Bin Long Province. The 5th Viet Cong Division launched a massive coordinated ground attack against Loc Ninh beginning early in the morning of 5 April 1972. The attack was supported by artillery and tanks. Major Davidson skillfully directed tactical air strikes and helicopter gunships in support of the District Headquarters Compound which was the objective of the enemy attack. During the period 5 April to 7 April the enemy launched repeated human wave attacks supported by tanks and artillery in an effort to overrun and capture the district headquarters. All the remainder of the district was already in enemy hands. Major Davidson's skillful use of numerous air strikes beat off attack after attack by enemy forces. Numerous enemy tanks and artillery pieces were destroyed in these air strikes. However, the weight of the massive enemy attacks was so great that despite extremely heavy losses, enemy forces finally overran the District Headquarters Compound. At this point Major Davidson called in tactical air strikes on his position. Only after his bunker was set afire did he relocate his party in a nearby rubber grove and continued to direct air strikes on the enemy, without regard for his personal safety. Only after darkness, with failing communications when it was impossible to influence the action further did he begin his incredible escape back to friendly forces. Major Davidson's conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 784 (April 13, 1972)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George C. D'Avignon, 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 D, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Captain D'Avignon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 April 1968 as commanding officer of an infantry company on a reinforcement mission near Kontum City. As his unit moved to the aid of a sister company, it came under sudden and intense enemy fire from all directions. Captain D'Avignon quickly positioned his men to relieve pressure on the trapped unit. While leading his third platoon in an attack on the enemy, he was struck twice by hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire. Despite his severe wounds, he continued to lead the counterattack and single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine gun bunker, killing the four crew members. Captain D'Avignon spotted several wounded soldiers and moved to their aid. As he treated a fallen comrade, he was hit in the shoulder. Still ignoring his wounds, he continued to aid the casualties. Only after his mission was completed and all the wounded had been treated did he allow himself to be evacuated. Captain D'Avignon'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.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3688 (August 1, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Eugene R. Davis, 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 as 3d Platoon Sergeant, Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. On 7 July 1965, Company B was engaged in a search and destroy operation in an area approximately fifteen miles northeast of Bien Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. Moving in a company wedge formation, the 3d platoon led the point. At about 1000 hours, the forward element of the platoon encountered heavy hostile fire from an automatic weapon and small arms which emanated from a concealed insurgent position. In the initial burst, the 3d Platoon Leader and another platoon member were killed. Due to the heavy concentration of fire that followed, the point squad of the platoon was pinned down. Realizing the importance of locating and destroying the insurgent position, Sergeant Davis, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, exposed himself to the hostile fire and charged forward, firing his weapon and lobbing grenades, in a desperate attempt to pinpoint and destroy the hostile gun position. His weapon jammed and grenades expended, Sergeant Davis was forced to halt the assault. Rearmed with a weapon and more grenades, he charged twice again through the murderous hail of insurgent fire, falling back only after expending his ammunition and grenades. However, as a result of his efforts during the third assault, he was able to pinpoint the exact location of the hostile machine gun. Notwithstanding the fact that he was completely exhausted and dazed from a projectile which damaged his helmet and web equipment, Sergeant Davis mustered fantastic courage and fanatic determination and assisted by two others, assaulted the Viet Cong position for the fourth time, inflicting heavy casualties and silencing the deadly automatic weapon. His heroic actions and courage served to inspire the men of Company B to gain the initiative and successfully complete their assigned mission. Sergeant Davis' 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.

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  HQ US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 302 (October 15, 1965)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Leroy L. Davis, Jr., Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Davis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 April 1970 while defending his bunker against an aggressive enemy assault. As the sergeant began placing heavy automatic weapons return fire toward the aggressors, an enemy rocket struck his bunker and seriously wounded him. Although his wounds rendered him almost blind, he reassumed his fighting position, fully exposed to the enemy fire, and continued to place suppressive fire on the enemy. Soon thereafter, a second enemy rocket struck the bunker, seriously wounding Sergeant Davis a second time. Refusing to yield to his multiple wounds, the sergeant remained in his exposed position and placed fire on the enemy until he collapsed. His determined actions prevented the enemy from overrunning his position and contributed immeasurably to the success of the allied defensive effort. Sergeant First Class Davis' 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.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4684 (October 3, 1970)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Mitchell Davis, 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, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Private First Class Davis distinguished himself while serving as medical aidman during a reconnaissance patrol in Tay Ninh Province. As his platoon was crossing a clearing, it was ambushed by a hostile force firing B-40 rockets, automatic weapons, and claymore anti- personnel mines. the initial onslaught was concentrated primarily at the lead squad, inflicting numerous friendly casualties. Braving the barrage of enemy bullets, Private Davis darted across the fire-swept area to the location of the downed men. Immediately the private began administering first aid to his comrades' wounds. Then, amid the unrelenting spray of hostile bullets, Private Davis dragged several of the severely wounded troops to a nearby position of relative safety. Meanwhile, the private's platoon had established a defensive perimeter around the casualties and were fighting to repel the repeated belligerent charges. As the determined enemy attempted to overrun the allied position, Private Davis continued to treat his patients despite the hazards surrounding him. Private Davis's intrepidity in the face of the enemy served as an inspiration to his comrades and rallied the friendly force in its successful resistance of the hostile assault. Private First Class Davis'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.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 871 (March 10, 1971)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Stephen W. Day, 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, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division. Private First Class Day distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 December 1966 while serving as acting squad leader with elements of the 7th Cavalry during a ground engagement against fortified hostile positions near Phu Huu. A fierce battle had ensued all day and Private Day's company was ordered to make a final assault under cover of growing darkness. As the unit slowly advanced across the open rice paddy it suddenly received intense sniper fire. Spotting the Viet Cong positions, Private Day maneuvered two of his men forward to gain better firing positions, while he dauntlessly provided covering fire. When both men fell wounded, he realized his left flank was exposed and, disregarding the extreme danger, charged forward to help his comrades. In this gallant effort, Private Day was seriously hit in the chest and arm by hostile fire. Unmindful of his wounds, he continued to crawl to a covered position, from which he directed friendly fire on the insurgent emplacements. Each time he raised up to shout orders to his men, he came under a hail of Viet Cong fire. Unable to fire his weapon, Private Day courageously threw grenades into the insurgent positions until he was fatally wounded. His unimpeachable valor and profound concern for others enabled his company to finally defeat the numerically superior hostile force. Private First Class Day'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.

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  Headquarters, U.S. Army Vietnam, General Orders No. 465 (January 31, 1966)
  

*De Marchi, Frank, Jr.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank De Marchi, Jr., 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 on 5 April 1966. Private De Marchi was serving as an assistant machine gunner in a twelve-man patrol, part of Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, when they discovered an estimated 300 Viet Cong insurgents moving in three columns toward the company's defensive perimeter. Realizing that a force of this size could result in disaster for the company, the small patrol attacked one of the columns consisting of approximately 100 Viet Cong. Private De Marchi's machine gun crew became the insurgents' target of determined assaults. Besides tending the machine gun, Private De Marchi assisted in holding off the assaults with his individual weapon. Disregarding his own personal safety, he left his position two times in the face of hostile fire to beat off the assaults. With the machine gun jammed, seven Viet Cong charged his position. Private De Marchi ran forward to block the assault and courageously killed three with his weapon, two more with a hand grenade, then fiercely engaged two in hand-to- hand combat. Returning to his position after the gunner had cleared the stoppage in the machine gun, he continued to fight until he was mortally wounded by small arms fire. Private First Class De Marchi's extraordinary heroism and supreme sacrifice are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

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  HQ US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 220 (September 12, 1966)
  

Deane, John R., Jr.

(First Award)

Synopsis:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John R. Deane, Jr., Brigadier General, 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 Infantry Division. Brigadier General Deane distinguished himself from 5 November 1966 to 18 November 1966 during combat operations near the Michelin Rubber Plantation. Upon learning that elements of a light infantry brigade were receiving intense hostile fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force, Brigadier General Deane immediately flew into the battle area, conducted low level passes while receiving hostile fire and identified the positions of each ground element. After landing in an insecure landing zone, Brigadier General Deane walked with his leg in a cast to the command post of the forward infantry elements which were about 30 meters from the main Viet Cong force. Brigadier General Deane repeated this process four times on 5 November and was present with forward infantry elements during four major Viet Cong attacks which carried to within yards of his position. His presence with the forward infantry troops and his repeated flights over the battle area contributed immeasurably to the successful conclusion of the operation and extraction of the American forces involved. On 12 November, Brigadier General Deane was flying over combat operations when the battalion command group was hit with a claymore mine that immobilized it and caused difficulty for the command group in controlling the movement of their subordinate elements through the jungle. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Brigadier General Deane, while receiving intense hostile fire, assumed command and control of the battalion from his helicopter. Brigadier General Deane landed in an insecure landing zone near an infantry element and personally directed its movements. When Brigadier General Deane observed that a flanking patrol was approximately (Remainder of citation missing).

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 6470 (November 23, 1966)
  

Home Town: Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Deane, John R., Jr.

(Second Award)

Synopsis:

The Distinguished Service Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) is presented to John R. Deane, Jr., Brigadier General, 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, 173d Airborne Brigade. Brigadier General Deane distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 January 1967. His 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.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1853 (1967)
  

Deibert, Charles L.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles L. Deibert, Captain (Aviation), 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 220th Reconnaissance Airplane Company, 212th Combat Support Aviation Battalion, 17th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Captain Deibert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 September 1967 while serving as pilot of a reconnaissance aircraft on a mission near Con Thien. While flying a routine surveillance mission, Captain Deibert was called to support a Marine battalion engaged in battle with an estimated two-regiment North Vietnamese Army force. At the time he approached the beleaguered force, enemy fire was so intense that badly needed resupply and medical evacuation helicopters could not reach their landing zones. Despite the extreme dangers of being shot down by friendly artillery barrages and hostile anti-aircraft fire, Captain Deibert flew into the area. He made several low passes through a curtain of fire to locate enemy troop concentrations and routes of movement. After advising the Marines of the enemy situation, he called for tactical air support and continued making low level flights over enemy strongpoints. Ignoring warnings from the ground to leave the area, Captain Deibert marked targets for the strike planes. One of his marking rounds was so accurate that it detonated in the center of three North Vietnamese machine gun positions and caused heavy casualties to the gun crews. When air support for the operation arrived, he continued to face concentrated enemy fire to direct ravaging bombing runs on enemy positions. Captain Deibert then discovered a route to the helicopter landing zones that was in defilade to the murderous enemy barrage and directed the resupply and medical evacuation helicopters to safe landings near the besieged battalion. His fearless actions in the face of grave danger turned a possible defeat into a rout of the enemy and prevented numerous casualties to the Marines. Captain Deibert’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.