Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4063 (August 31, 1970)
  

*Lopez, John Edward, Jr. (MIA)

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Edward Lopez, 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 Detachment A-242, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Lopez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 October 1969 while serving as a Special Forces advisor with a Vietnamese company search and clear mission near Camp Dak Pek. A platoon of his company had been fired upon and pinned down by a well entrenched and concealed enemy force. Sergeant Lopez and a fellow advisor immediately formed a reaction force in an attempt to rescue the trapped platoon. The reaction force no sooner began to maneuver on the enemy when it was caught in an enemy crossfire, and Sergeant Lopez’s fellow advisor was mortally wounded. Faced with enemy fire on three sides, Sergeant Lopez quickly formed a defensive perimeter. Moving outside the perimeter, Sergeant Lopez exposed himself to enemy fire in order to recover the body of the other advisor. He then directed and adjusted artillery fire and air strikes on the enemy positions. Personally carrying the body of his companion, Sergeant Lopez led his unit through the three-sided crossfire, but found his route of withdrawal blocked by another enemy company. Sergeant Lopez then directed artillery and gunship fire against the enemy positions until he was able to lead his unit safely through the enemy encirclement. Sergeant First Class Lopez’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. 1692 (June 8, 1970)
  

*Lopez, Manuel Torres

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Manuel Torres Lopez, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Lopez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 June 1968 near Moc Hoa, Republic of Vietnam, as platoon leader of an Irregular Mobile Strike Force Company conducting a heliborne insertion into an enemy-occupied landing zone. Upon learning of the critical wounds of a fellow soldier, Sergeant Lopez located and retrieved him by crawling under intense and accurate enemy fire from a nearby woodline. As the unit sustained additional casualties, Sergeant Lopez secured a radio and again crawled forward against intense machinegun fire, mortars and rockets to carry more wounded back to the medical evacuation point. Moving forward a third time, he was knocked unconscious by the concussion of a B-40 rocket. Upon recovering, he refused medical evaduation for himself and moved toward the woodline from where he carried another American and three irregulars to another helicopter under heavy fire. While assisting yet other irregular soldiers pinned down by enemy fire, Sergeant Lopez fell mortally wounded. During the several hours that he moved about the battlefield assisting others, his bravery, courage and determination saved fourteen of his comrades. His continued feats of heroism in the face of certain death inspired his men to whom retreat or hesitation was unnecessary in the knowledge that he was among them. Sergeant Lopez's extraordinary heroism at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (February 4, 1969)
  

Lose, Charles R.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles R. Lose, Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism on 14 November and 15 November 1965 in Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division. Specialist Five Lose distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 and 15 November 1965. As a Medical Aidman, Specialist Lose was serving with the Second Platoon of Company B when the Platoon beame pinned down by an intense assault from a battalion size Viet Cog force and then cut off from the remainder of the Company for a period of twenty-six hours. As the enemy's deadly and heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire inflicted several casualties on the Platoon during the initial attack, Specialist Lose bravely moved through the hail of gun fire to care for the wounded. Although he was wounded in the foot by grenade fragments during one of his courageous moves to reach a fallen comrade, he continued to administer to the wounded by crawling from man to man dragging his aid kit with him. When his medical supplies became exhausted, he demonstrated rare ingenuity and determination by fashioning bandages from C-ration resources. He collected water from the canteens of the dead for distribution to the wounded. Again and again, he crawled across the open area and exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to give first aid to the wounded, often using his own body as a shield for the protection of his fellow soldiers. On the following day when a relief force reached the beleaguered unit, he refused to be evacuated until all of the wounded were taken to safety. Specialist Lose's conspicuous gallantry, his extraordinary heroism on the battlefield, and his deep concern for his fellow soldiers are in the highest traditions of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country.

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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 42 (October 4, 1966)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jerry T. Loucks, Jr., 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 Loucks distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in the Plei Trap Valley of the Central Highlands. On 12 March 1969, two platoons of his company came under a devastating barrage of small arms, automatic weapons and grenades from an enemy force concealed in well-constructed bunkers, suffering heavy casualties. Despite his own wounds, Specialist Loucks immediately assumed command when members of the command group were disabled and he organized a fire-and-movement team to advance through the deadly hail of enemy bullets. He and his team pressed on toward the hostile fortifications, silencing many of the bunkers. When ordered to pull back to the unit’s main element, he quickly organized the platoons and supervised the construction of litters to carry the wounded. He then led the beleaguered element through the hostile fusillade. With his coordination, his men temporarily silenced the enemy force, but suddenly the North Vietnamese launched an all-out attack in an attempt to overrun the small element. Rallying his comrades and repositioning them into advantageous defensive positions, Specialist Loucks succeeded in causing the enemy to abort their assault so that the link-up could be completed. Specialist Four Loucks’ 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. 4345 (December 6, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Phan-Ngoc Luong, Captain, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 1st Battalion, 3d Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Luong distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 30 January 1968 to 24 February 1968. Captain Luong's conspicuous gallantry and heroic action were in the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.

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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 13 (March 6, 1969)
  

Lutchendorf, Thomas E.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas E. Lutchendorf, 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 D, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant Lutchendorf distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 December 1967 as platoon leader of an airmobile cavalry company. His platoon air-assaulted an unsecured landing zone in the mountains north of Phan Thiet and immediately came under intense automatic weapons fire fron eight well camouflaged and fortified bunkers. The bunkers were situated on two sides of the landing zone and the other two sides were covered with punji stakes to prevent escape and evasion. Lieutenant Lutchendorf directed his men to move to defilade position as he remained behind to direct air striks, aerial rocket artillery, and gunship fire into the enemy positions. He repeatedly exposed himself to the deadly insurgent barrage to determine the effectiveness of air strikes, adjust them, and to hurl grenades at the enemy bunkers. Even though enemy mortar rounds began falling around his position. Lieutenant Lutchendorf remained exposed to the fusillade to fix the bunker positions with compass readings to allow more accurate air strikes. Napalm bombs and aerial rocket artillery were able to destroy several of the fortified bunkers due to this action. Although seriously wounded, Lieutenant Lutchendorf stubbornly refused to give up his command or accept medical aid for himself. Throughout the night, he retained control of his men and inspired them to bring constant pressure on the determined enemy. His outstanding leadership was decisive in repelling a superior enemy force and the safe evacuation of his troops. Lieutenant Lutchendorf's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the U.S. Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1425 (March 30, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Eugene M. Lynch, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Colonel Lynch distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 October 1968 while serving as Commander, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. A fierce battle erupted between a well trained North Vietnamese battalion and four companies of American infantrymen. Helicopter gunships provided initial fire support but after an hour of heavy contact were forced to withdraw to rearm and refuel. At this critical moment when it appeared that the enemy would gain fire superiority, Colonel Lynch ordered his command and control ship to conduct a series of low-level firing passes. Although met with heavy ground fire, Colonel Lynch, along with the door gunners, placed heavy fire on the communists inflicting casualties on them. His courageous tactic heartened the infantry troops below, enabling them to mount an assault on the North Vietnamese positions. When the advancing infantry flushed an enemy platoon into the open, he again ordered his pilot to make low-level runs and directed fire which killed twelve of the aggressors. This action was typical of the many valorous deeds performed by Colonel Lynch during twenty-eight consecutive hours I which he directed the American forces in the air and on the ground. During this time, he was responsible for the quick, lifesaving evacuation of wounded personnel, the capture of prisoners and utilization of information obtained from them, and the preparation and execution of battle plans which brought about the complete and decisive defeat of the North Vietnamese. Due to his ability to rapidly assess the changing tactical situation, to (Remainder of Citation Missing).

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 356 (1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Balfour Oliver Lytton, Jr., 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-20, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Staff Sergeant Lytton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 March 1968 as Special Forces platoon leader of a Vietnamese strike force company on combat operations. As the company searched for the enemy in dense jungle around its base camp, the lead platoon came under intense automatic weapons fire from a concealed North Vietnamese Army squad. As the small enemy unit withdrew from contact, it was pursued by two platoons of the friendly force. The two elements were drawn into the savage ambush of a North Vietnamese Army company. Sergeant Lytton, commander of the reserve platoon, quickly deployed his troops in a defensive perimeter and directed devastating fire on the attackers to cover the withdrawal fo the beleaguered friendly forces. The enemy launched a fierce rocket and small arms barrage on his perimeter, and his men were forced to withdraw under the intensity of the assault. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Lytton remained behind and continued his furious fight to cover the withdrawal of the other platoons. He was wounded by the ravaging enemy fire but refused to pull back. After the forward elements escaped the ambush site under his covering fire, he began a maneuver to join them. Enemy troops had isolated his position, blocking his movement and cutting off all avenues of approach for rescue attempts by members of his company. He was mortally wounded while gallantly and unselfishly placing the lives of fellow soldiers above his own safety in the heat of battle. Staff Sergeant Lytton’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. 1912 (April 25, 1968)
  

Mace, James E.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James E. Mace, 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 A, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Captain Mace distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 2 to 4 December 1968 while commanding his company on a search and clear mission near Dong Xoai. When his point element came under heavy fire, Captain Mace moved forward and directed his men in a flanking movement which forced the enemy to retreat from their bunkers. He then led his unit through the hostile emplacements to link with a sister company in a night defensive position. Braving intense enemy fire, he organized a rescue party and led it from the night location to rescue the crew of an ammunition re-supply helicopter shot down by the communists. On the next day, he led his unit in an attack against another bunker complex. After exposing himself to the vicious enemy fire to carry a wounded man to safety, Captain Mace stood up to spot the enemy gunners, personally killing two and wounding three of them. Finding that the foe was attempting to encircle his company, he ordered a withdrawal and remained behind to direct rocket artillery to within one hundred meters of his position. While returning to the same site from another direction the following day, the unit was hit by command detonated mines and heavy machine gun fire which caused several casualties. Captain Mace led his men on an assault of the enemy fortifications, killing one communist and rescuing two wounded comrades from under the hostile fusillade. As a result of this action, a major enemy supply complex was destroyed. Captain Mace'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. 838 (March 9, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Julius Maddox, 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 Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Private First Class Maddox distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 February 1968 as medical aidman of an infantry company on a search and destroy operation near Hoi An. While crossing an open, dry rice paddy, his unit was hit by devastating fire from enemy soldiers entrenched in camouflaged positions within two meters of the friendly forces. The ravaging small arms and machine gun barrage killed or wounded many of the men in his platoon during the initial moments of the ambush, and the remainder of the friendly force withdrew to the concealment offered by a nearby cane field. With complete disregard for his welfare, Private Maddox sprinted across the bare terrain under a hail of fire to reach a wounded comrade and carry him to safety. Seeing a fellow medic hit, he returned through withering enemy machine gun fire to move the man to a helicopter evacuation landing zone. When the rescue ships arrived, he placed his patients aboard, secured a litter from one of the crews, and returned to aid soldiers still trapped in the deadly killing zone. He was shot in both legs by North Vietnamese fire, but ignored his wounds to carry another casualty to the waiting aircraft. He was urged to board the helicopter for evacuation, but he refused any aid for himself and returned to rescue more wounded. Only when he was certain that all his injured comrades were safe did he allow treatment and evacuation for himself. His courageous and selfless actions in the heat of battle were directly responsible for saving the lives of several fellow soldiers. Private First Class Maddox'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. 2555 (May 29, 1968)
  

Magouyrk, James R.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James R. Magouyrk, 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, 3d Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant Magouyrk distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 February 1969 while serving as a rifle platoon leader during operations near Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan Province. When combined elements of the South Vietnamese Army and Regional/Popular Forces encountered heavy enemy contact during the defense of the city, Lieutenant Magouyrk and his unit were flown in to reinforce the allied elements. As the helicopters touched down, enemy B-40 rocket and small arms fire burst from bunkers surrounding the landing zone. Immediately Lieutenant Magouyrk disembarked and set up defensive positions. He continually exposed himself to the fusillade to pull casualties to a safe area for medical evacuation and to redistribute ammunition among his men. Observing an enemy in a nearby bunker preparing to launch a rocket, he charged the fortification, destroying it with hand grenades and capturing the rocket launcher. While supervising a sweep of an area vacated by the enemy, he was wounded by hostile fire. Not until he had organized his men into a defensive night position did he allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. First Lieutenant Magouryk'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. 3079 (August 12, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ronald E. Malachi, 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, 1st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade (Light), Americal Division. Staff Sergeant Malachi distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 and 6 January 1968 as squad leader of an infantry company on a search and destroy operation. His unit was ambushed on the morning of 5 January by a Viet Cong force firing machine guns and automatic weapons from well-fortified positions, and he joined a fire team which advanced toward one of the hostile bunkers. As his platoon leader, a member of the team, began to charge the bunker alone, Sergeant Malachi stood up to draw a hail of enemy fire away from the officer and toward himself. Braving the devastating fusillade, he joined the assault on the position and destroyed it, forcing the remaining insurgents to flee. Later in the day, his company was again attacked. Sergeant Malachi quickly deployed his men in a tight defensive perimeter and then moved through intense enemy fire to search for casualties and dispersed elements of the company. With the unit consolidated, he repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile weapons and moved along his lines to repel probes by the determined attackers. He detected a particularly effective North Vietnamese mortar position supported by two machine guns and, disregarding his personal safety, he furiously assaulted them until his ammunition was expended. Heedless of bullets striking all around him, he returned to his perimeter, secured a machine gun and continued his attack on the hostile weapons. Standing erect, he delivered deadly fire on the enemy positions at close range and destroyed all three emplacements. Early in the morning of 6 January, the insurgents directed a fierce rocket and mortar attack on the company command group. Sergeant Malachi immediately organized a security force to cover the command group's withdrawal. He then took up an exposed position and repulsed strong enemy probes until reinforcements arrived. Staff Sergeant Malachi'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.