Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 200 (January 16, 1967)
  

Home Town: Andover, Massachusetts

McCaffrey, Barry R.

(Second Award)

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) is presented to Barry R. McCaffrey, 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, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Captain McCaffrey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 March 1969 as company commander during a reconnaissance-in-force mission. When elements of one of his platoon came under intense fire from a well-fortified enemy bunker complex, Captain McCaffrey immediately moved forward to assault the hostile position in order to relieve pressure on the beleaguered squad. He quickly deployed his men for an attack and led the advance through the fusillade. When he had pinpointed the source of the greatest concentration of fire, he initiated a single-handed assault on the bunker. After several attempts, he finally succeeded in destroying the machine gun bunker and its occupants. Despite being wounded in the left arm, he continued to supervise the overrunning and destruction of the hostile bunker system. After organizing the evacuation of his casualties, he called in supporting fire on the enemy. Only after he was assured that all of the wounded had been cared for and after he had organized a defensive position, did he allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. Captain McCaffrey's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeling 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. 2905 (August 2, 1969)
  

Home Town: Andover, Massachusetts

*McCain, Michael Clinton

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Michael Clinton McCain, 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-244, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Staff Sergeant McCain distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 May 1968 as Special Forces advisor to a company-size Vietnamese force on a combat mission near Dak To. When his company was hit with intense rocket and mortar fire from a numerically superior force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars, he quickly established a defensive perimeter. The insurgents launched a devastating ground assault from three sides of the unit's position, and Sergeant McCain exposed himself to withering enemy fire in order to rally his men. Although wounded, he fearlessly continued to engage the determined attackers. Informed that the senior advisor had been seriously wounded, he decided to remain behind with the man although his company had been ordered to withdraw. Fighting a furious delaying action against the insurgents' onslaught, he enabled his troops to reach safety. He was mortally wounded while gallantly and unselfishly placing the lives of his men above his own in the heat of battle. Staff Sergeant McCain'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. 2849 (June 13, 1968)
  

*McCarthy, John Edward

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Edward McCarthy, 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-302, 5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Staff Sergeant McCarthy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 February 1967 while serving as a Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese Mike Force company during a combat reconnaissance operation near Bo Duc. At 1620 hours, the lead element encountered an entrenched North Vietnamese Army battalion and was quickly pinned down by intense hostile fire from two sides. As the insurgents attempted to encircle the beleaguered company, Sergeant McCarthy moved through the devastating fire to encourage his demoralized men to assault the hostile positions. Noting that the enemy was starting to escape, he dauntlessly charged the emplacements alone. Unmindful of the dangers, Sergeant McCarthy ran across thirty meters of bullet-swept terrain, killed both gun crews and forced another group of insurgents to scatter. Inspired by his gallant actions, several friendly soldiers advanced to his location and took up defensive positions. However, they were soon routed when the North Vietnamese countered with recoilless rifle fire, which seriously wounded Sergeant McCarthy. Ignoring the severe pain, he held his position and single-handedly fought against insurmountable odds to prevent the enemy from retaking the mortars. Demonstrating boundless courage, Sergeant McCarthy killed seven more insurgents before succumbing to his wounds. His unimpeachable valor and selfless sacrifice saved his compound from being overrun by a numerically superior enemy force. Staff Sergeant McCarthy'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. 1060 (March 11, 1967)
  

McCarthy, Thomas V.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas V. McCarthy, Captain (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Captain McCarthy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 January 1968. Captain McCarthy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 January 1967 while serving as company commander during a search and destroy mission in the Don Dien Filhol Plantation. Captain McCarthy led his unit into an area heavily defended by fortifications, trenches, and mine fields. The infantry was following in the tracks of tanks when two lead tanks tripped large mines and were disabled. As the men dove for cover, several were wounded by booby traps and explosions of numerous command detonated mines. When the insurgents commenced rifle fire from a bunker 15 meters to the front, Captain McCarthy realized that his exposed men were in critical danger from this point. Heedless of his own safety, he charged the hostile emplacement with mines exploding all around him. He was blown to the ground by one blast, which wounded one of his radio operators and killed the other. Captain McCarthy leaped up and dauntlessly resumed his assault, but was knocked down by another explosion. Ignoring his wounds, he again sprang to his feet, sprayed the Viet Cong bunker with rifle fire as he ran towards it, and blew it apart with hand grenades. Having destroyed the source of fire and command detonated mines, he ran back through the booby trapped field, called for medical aid men, and began to treat the casualties himself. His calm courage had prevented panic during the violent attack and saved many men from becoming casualties. Captain McCarthy'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. 2754 (June 8, 1967)
  

*McCarthy, Thomas Weller

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas Weller McCarthy, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving an opposing force in the Republic of Vietnam on 3 March 1964. As Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese Airborne Battalion, Captain McCarthy demonstrated decisive leadership and fortitude during a mission into an assault zone in support of military operations conducted by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam in defense of their homeland. While the airborne troops were moving across open territory at daybreak toward their second objective, they were suddenly attacked by hostile forces from three directions and subjected to a barrage of concentrated fire from small arms, automatic weapons, mortars, and recoilless rifles. As the casualties mounted rapidly and the friendly troops were thrown into confusion, Captain McCarthy displayed complete disregard for his own personal safety and unhesitatingly moved into the inferno of hostile gun fire to organize the troops and establish an effective base of operations. He then joined his counterpart with the lead element and continued his brave efforts to rally and encourage the troops until he was mortally wounded. Through his courageous conduct, unselfish actions, and dedicated devotion to duty, his Vietnamese comrades were inspired to pursue their defense efforts and successfully accomplished their objective. Captain McCarthy'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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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 18 (May 29, 1964)
  

Home Town: Chevy Chase, Maryland

McClean, Michael A.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Michael A. McClean, 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, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four McClean distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 February 1969 while serving as a member of an ambush patrol operating in Long An Province. While established in a night defensive position, his platoon came under an intense Viet Cong attack. When rocket-propelled grenade landed in the command post killing the radio-telephone operator and seriously wounding both the platoon leader and platoon sergeant, Specialist McClean immediately rushed forward to lay suppressive fire on the enemy and direct his comrades into effective firing positions. When the squads were in place, he began maneuvering from position to position assisting the wounded. He then moved to the damaged command post and assumed command of the platoon from the wounded leaders. As the battle progressed, he became aware that one hostile emplacement seemed immune to the machine gun fire being placed on it. Obtaining an M- 72 light anti-tank weapon, Specialist McClean advanced through the hail of bullets well ahead of his squad's position and eliminated the hostile fortification. Returning to the command post, he found a radio and began to call in gunships, artillery, and medical evacuation helicopters. After adjusting supporting fire on the enemy positions, he began to supervise the extraction of casualties. Learning of another communist machine gun emplacement that escaped the deadly gunship barrage, Specialist McClean again used a light antitank weapon to silence the bunker. He then continued to move among his men directing retaliatory fire until the enemy force was routed. Specialist Four McClean'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. 3312 (August 29, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Donald B. McCoig, Warrant Officer (W-1), 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 281st Aviation Company, 10th Combat Aviation Battalion, 17th Combat Aviation Group. Warrant Officer McCoig distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 March 1968 as aircraft commander of an assault helicopter on a combat mission near Hue. After air strikes had pounded an enemy stronghold, he volunteered to fly Vietnamese ground forces into the area to conduct bomb assessment and search and destroy operations. During the second airlift into the landing zone, his ship received intense enemy automatic weapons fire which heavily damaged the craft and wounded the co-pilot and gunner. Displaying outstanding courage and airmanship, Mister McCoig continued into the battle area under heavy fire and landed his helicopter. He then led his men to cover and returned through the fusillade to recover the aircraft's weapons and equipment. Remaining calm, he skillfully treated the wounded until an evacuation ship arrived and carried them all to safety. Three more aircraft were shot down in the ensuing action, and Mister McCoig volunteered to return to the raging firefight to extract their crews. With complete disregard for his safety, he again flew into the area and landed amid a curtain of fire. Bullets tore into his craft, but he refused to take off until the members of one stranded crew had climbed aboard. As he became airborne, the enemy forces concentrated their full firepower on his ship, and he was killed by a hail of rounds tearing into the cockpit. Warrant Officer McCoig'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. 2250 (May 14, 1968)
  

Home Town: Ventura, California

McCollum, Timothy P.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Timothy P. McCollum, 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, 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. First Lieutenant McCollum distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 March 1969 while leading his platoon in the hills south of the A Shau Valley. His company was engaged in a fierce firefight with a North Vietnamese force holding ridge from well-fortified positions. A ravine separating the two opposing forces obviated a direct assault on the enemy's positions. Undertaking an intricate flanking maneuver, Lieutenant McCollum infiltrated his men across the open ravine under heavy crossfire and ascended the heights behind the enemy as the company's main force continued firing on the hostile element's front. After overtly signaling friendly fire away from his position, he initiated a systematic sweep down through the enemy's hillside emplacements. He attacked an enemy bunker and overcame its unsuspecting occupant. An alerted North Vietnamese then turned and fired from his spider hole, seriously wounding an American. Realizing that the wounded man's recovery hinged on immediate evacuation, Lieutenant McCollum enlisted another soldier's aid and together they carried the casualty down the ridge through enemy positions. Their descent was obstructed by harassing fire from a nearby bunker. Lieutenant McCollum destroyed the fortification with grenades. When the wounded soldier had been delivered to safety, he made his way back to his men by the same treacherous route under a storm of machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire. First Lieutenant McCollum'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. 3418 (September 7, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Douglas MacArthur McCrary, 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, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airborne). First Lieutenant McCrary distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 February 1967 while serving as a platoon leader with elements of the 7th Cavalry engaged with a well entrenched enemy force. When the two lead platoons came under intense insurgent fire, Lieutenant McCrary quickly directed a twelve man security team forward to outflank the hostile positions. However, as the team approached the objective, it was suddenly pinned down by devastating fire from concealed enemy bunkers. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Lieutenant McCrary started maneuvering the rest of the platoon toward the besieged force. After advancing to a position near the team, he called for his men to provide suppressive fire as he fearlessly crawled across the bullet-swept field alone. Upon reaching the stranded element, Lieutenant McCrary began to move among the endangered men, treating the wounded and shouting encouragement. Seeing one stricken man lying exposed across a dike, he tossed a smoke grenade to provide cover and then charged forward through a hail of insurgent bullets. But as he started to pull the man to safety, the smoke dissipated and Lieutenant McCrary was mortally wounded. His boundless courage and selfless sacrifice in trying to save a fellow soldier will serve as a source of lasting inspiration to all those who knew him. First Lieutenant McCrary'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. 2165 (May 14, 1967)
  

McDermott, John K.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John K. McDermott, 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, 229th Engineer Battalion, 937th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade. Sergeant First Class McDermott distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 November 1967 while serving with his unit during the conduct of a mission in Kontum Province. He was driving the lead vehicle of a convoy on its way to repair a bridge which had been partially destroyed by enemy activity, when a company-size Viet Cong force unleashed a brutal ambush. A recoilless rifle round exploded against Sergeant McDermott's truck, but he managed to control the badly damaged vehicle and steered it off the road to allow the rest of the convoy to pass. Heedless of intense small arms and automatic weapons fire, he ran toward the rear of the truck to organize his men and move them out of the killing zone. As he came around the side of the truck, three enemy soldiers armed with automatic weapons were preparing to fire on the battalion chaplain. Firing from his hip, Sergeant McDermott killed the three insurgents. Disregarding his own safety, he continued moving through the ambush site to rally his troops. As he did so, two more Viet Cong leaped upon him and knocked him to the ground. He struggled free, wounding both of them, and then braved a savage fusillade to drive several of the convoy vehicles out of the ambush site. Gallantly leading his platoon in a fierce counterattack, he personally destroyed an enemy machine gun position. Sergeant McDermott continued to move forward under intense fire and exploding grenades, inspiring and directing his men until the Viet Cong were defeated. His unhesitating and courageous actions in close combat with a numerically superior hostile force were responsible for saving the lives of many fellow soldiers. Platoon Sergeant McDermott'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. 180 (January 15, 1968)
  

(First Award)

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Michael A. McDermott, 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, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant McDermott distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 November 1967 while leading two rifle squads on a search and destroy operation near Chu Lai. The two squads were separated by two hundred meters when the point man in Lieutenant McDermott's squad surprised approximately fifteen North Vietnamese Army soldiers and opened fire on them. Lieutenant McDermott, realizing they had gained the initiative, immediately ran to the front of the squad and, disregarding the enemy fire, led his men as they chased the communists, personally killing two. Penetrating a North Vietnamese company command post, Lieutenant McDermott's aggressive action completely disrupted and disorganized the enemy troops, causing them to flee, leaving behind many of their weapons and equipment. Knowing that the approximately seventy North Vietnamese in the area would try to retake the position, he quickly called for his other squad to join him and organized a perimeter within the captured post. The enemy launched a fierce counterattack and Lieutenant McDermott was wounded by a hostile grenade, but refused medical treatment until after the aggressors had been repelled and a relief force arrived. Although painfully wounded, he left the medical holding area three times to direct his men in repelling enemy assaults. His fearless leadership, despite being vastly outnumbered, resulted in the complete rout of the communists. First Lieutenant McDermott'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. 471 (February 11, 1969)
  

McDermott, Michael A.

(Second Award)

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) is presented to Michael A. McDermott, 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 Airborne Division Assistance Team, United States Army Advisory Group. Captain McDermott distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Senior Advisor to the 5th Airborne Battalion, Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, during the period 16 April 1972 to 20 May 1972 in the besieged provincial capital of An Loc. During this period, the 5th Airborne Battalion received daily attacks by numerically superior enemy forces during which Captain McDermott continuously exposed himself to the enemy fire and directed devastating airstrikes to turn back their assaults. When the embattled 5th Airborne Battalion was ordered to disengage from the enemy, he remained with rear elements of the unit and protected the movement to a more advantageous position by again directing numerous airstrikes. The enemy then launched a massive mortar and ground assault supported by tanks. During this attack, Captain McDermott disregarded his personal safety by moving from one position to another under a fusillade of enemy fire and adjusted airstrikes to eventually ward off the assault after eight hours of continuous fighting. His determination and heroism in the face of overwhelming odds served as inspiration to the weary paratroopers and rallied them to hold their positions. Captain McDermott'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.