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Home Town: Clarksville, Tennessee *Bell, Christopher Hiawatha Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Christopher Hiawatha Bell, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Private First Class Bell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during a search and destroy mission in enemy territory. Realizing the danger of the mission, Private Bell volunteered to be point man in place of his less experienced comrades. He came upon a fork in the trail, stopped the platoon and moved forward alone. He suddenly opened fire, killing an enemy soldier on the trail. The platoon was immediately pinned down by a vicious hail of enemy automatic weapons fire from at least three positions. Private Bell, trapped in front of the platoon, began placing a heavy volume of effective counterfire on the insurgents, allowing his platoon leader to deploy the lead squad. The enemy fire became so intense that the squad was soon immobilized as it tried to maneuver against the insurgents. Realizing the precarious situation that was rapidly developing, Private Bell quickly went into action. He secured hand grenades from his rucksack, and began to crawl through the murderous barrage toward the enemy bunker putting out the heaviest volume of firepower. As he neared the position, he exposed himself to the fusillade to throw a grenade which destroyed the bunker and killed its occupants. The platoon was still receiving heavy automatic weapons fire, so he moved toward a second bunker and destroyed it with hand grenades. The platoon then began receiving fire from a position to its left flank, and Private Bell began moving towards the source. Once in range, he rose to throw a grenade and was struck by a burst of automatic weapons fire which knocked him to the ground. Ignoring his wound and completely disregarding his safety, he got to his feet and rushed forward. He was struck twice more by a burst from the enemy machine gun, but he continued to charge until he was close enough to throw a grenade into the bunker, destroying it. Private First Class Bell'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.
Home Town: Clinton, North Carolina *Bell, Lewis Douglas Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Lewis Douglas Bell, Major (Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 1st Aviation Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. Major Bell distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry against an armed hostile enemy force at the cost of his life on 5 March 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Bell was serving as Pilot of a UH-1D helicopter when he learned that the perimeter of the 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry was surrounded and under heavy attack by a regimental-sized Viet Cong force in the vicinity of Lai Khe, Binh Duong Province. The insurgents had pressed so close to the perimeter of the American units that mortar and supporting artillery fire were relatively ineffective and the defenders had begun to run critically short of small arms ammunition. Though they realized that delivery of ammunition into the middle of a raging jungle battle was extremely hazardous and called for exposure to withering Viet Cong machine gun fire, Major Bell and his crew voluntarily undertook to deliver fifteen hundred pounds of explosive cargo into the battle area. On the approach to the landing zone the helicopter and crew were hit time and time again by heavy machine gun and small arms fire. Knowing the ammunition was desperately needed to save the besieged infantrymen, Major Bell and his crew ignored their own wounds and personal safety and continued through the heavy fire to the landing zone. The crew members began to unload the ammunition even though they were being repeatedly wounded by the ever increasing Viet Cong fire. Though the entire crew had been seriously wounded in their efforts, all the ammunition was successfully unloaded and Major Bell managed to fly the helicopter out of its untenable position, moments later the helicopter was shot down by a deadly cross fire of .50 caliber machine guns, killing all aboard. The heroic actions of Major Bell and his crew supplied the needed ammunition to turn the tide of battle and save numerous American lives. Because of this ammunition re-supply the heavily outnumbered infantry units completely routed the insurgents, killing over 200 Viet Cong and capturing supplies and equipment which included four .50 caliber machine guns. Major Bell's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty was the mainstay of the successful camp defense. His actions were an inspiration to the American defenders, displaying magnificent leadership and conspicuous bravery. Although wounded, he never relented from his determined effort to re-supply the heavily beleaguered infantry units. Major Bell's courage and determination, in the face of overwhelming firepower, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Fort Worth, Texas *Bender, Gernot Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gernot Bender, 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 Troop A, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Bender distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 March 1969 in Hau Nghai Province on a mission to engage an enemy force which had ambushed the Dau Tieng convoy. Reaching the ambush site, his troop found the aggressors had moved to a new hiding place, and the squadron and troop commander had advanced alone to reconnoiter. When firing was heard, Sergeant Bender immediately drove his tank to the aid of the two officers. Seeing that they were pinned down by a machine gun bunker, he silenced the emplacement with his main gun and then spearheaded an assault as the rest of his unit followed. Intense hostile fire wounded several men and a rocket-propelled grenade scored a direct hit on an armored personnel carrier. Sergeant Bender moved to secure the carrier and provide covering fire while the casualties were rescued, throwing grenades and firing his rifle after his vehicle's weapons became inoperative. He then pulled back to a defensive position where he placed suppressive fire during the evacuation of the wounded, re-supplied his element with ammunition, and repaired his weapons which had malfunctioned. As his troop again moved forward, he assaulted a machine gun bunker, destroying it and killing its occupants, and then engaged and destroyed a rocket-propelled grenade team that exposed itself to fire on one of the carriers. Second later his vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, seriously wounding him in the leg. Ignoring his wounds, he continued to fight, thus allowing the lesser wounded to be evacuated to safety. Soon Sergeant Bender collapsed as his own injuries proved fatal. Staff Sergeant Bender'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.
Home Town: Columbus, Georgia Benedict, Calvert P. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Calvert P. Benedict, Lieutenant 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, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Benedict distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 February 1968 as Commanding Officer of an infantry battalion during its assault on a heavily fortified Viet Cong base camp. As supporting artillery fire pounded the insurgent stronghold, Colonel Benedict deployed armored personnel carriers against it and personally led his infantry in the attack. Despite intense hostile sniper and automatic weapons fire, he moved through the battle area, placing his troops in strategic positions. Upon reaching the first enemy bunker complex, the armored personnel carriers were halted by the fierce volume of hostile fire. With complete disregard for his safety, Colonel Benedict moved through the fusillade to the point of heaviest contact. As the Viet Cong fire became more intense, Colonel Benedict ran through a hail of shrapnel from exploding rockets and mounted the armored personnel carriers one by one to reorganize the crew members and direct their fire. Inspired by his courageous example, his men fought with renewed determination. When he had established effective cover, Colonel Benedict ordered the assault force to withdraw so artillery and air strikes could be employed against the Viet Cong. He then braved heavy sniper fire as he organized a defensive perimeter and personally supervised the evacuation of wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Benedict'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.
Benson, John O. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John O. Benson, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Benson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 August 1969 while serving as platoon leader during an airmobile reconnaissance operation in the Plain of Reeds. As the members of his element moved through the area, they come under a devastating barrage of hostile rocket- propelled grenade and machine gun fire which wounded two soldiers. Rushing through the strafing fusillade, Lieutenant Benson reached the two casualties, one of whom he carried to a sheltered position to receive medical aid. He then returned for the second injured infantryman. When the wounded had been cared for, Lieutenant Benson organized his platoon for an assault on the hostile fortifications and called in artillery and gunships. Despite the supporting fire, the element remained pinned down by enemy bullets. As he directed another air strike, the rest of his unit was inserted behind the enemy in order to effect a sweeping maneuver. When the additional members of the company also become pinned down, Lieutenant Benson crawled forward to the communist bunkers. Throwing hand grenades with precision, he silenced the machine gun emplacement. First Lieutenant Benson’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.
Bercaw, William E. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William E. Bercaw, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 2 May 1970 while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 34th Armor, 25th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Bercaw distinguished himself while leading a four-vehicle armed convoy toward a rendezvous with forward allied elements located in Cambodia. Master Sergeant Bercaw was riding aboard the lead vehicle when a sudden burst of enemy fire swept through the lead element. The commander of the lead vehicle was mortally wounded by the fire and Master Sergeant Bercaw suffered a painful arm wound. Nevertheless, Master Sergeant Bercaw immediately assumed command of the vehicle and organized the confused crew into an effective fighting unit. While directing the fire of his men, he crawled across an exposed portion of his vehicle to man an automatic weapon. Although seriously wounded, he continued to fire the weapon until he exhausted his ammunition. He then secured the tank commander's rifle and expended all available ammunition toward the enemy. During the entire contact, Master Sergeant Bercaw continuously exposed himself to the hail of enemy fire in order to direct the actions of his men and move the convoy out of the contact area. Although wounded three times, his determined actions enabled the convoy to depart the contact area while suffering only minimal casualties. Master Sergeant Bercaw'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.
Bernardo, Peter R. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Peter R. Bernardo, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry, Division. First Lieutenant Bernardo distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 February 1969 while serving as a platoon leader on a search and clear mission. His company came under intense small arms automatic weapons, rifle grenade, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an enemy force concealed and entrenched only a few meters from the friendly unit. Seeing that the heavy hostile fire was preventing his fellow soldiers from effectively returning fire and regrouping, Lieutenant Bernardo quickly assaulted and silenced one of the enemy automatic weapons positions. As he continued providing suppressive fire, his unit was able to withdraw and call in supporting fire. During a second assault on the enemy, Lieutenant Bernardo rushed two more enemy fortifications and destroyed them with hand grenades. As the company again withdrew, he placed devastating suppressive fire on the hostile fortifications to cover the withdrawal. On a third assault he was wounded seriously, but he refused medical evacuation until his unit had completed its mission. First Lieutenant Bernardo’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.
Bessinger, Terry B. Synopsis: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Terry B. Bessinger, First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 119th Aviation Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant Bessinger distinguished himself during an attempt to rescue a besieged allied reconnaissance patrol located deep in enemy controlled territory. As Lieutenant Bessinger was piloting his helicopter on a visual reconnaissance mission, he received an urgent evacuation request from a friendly ground unit. He immediately instructed the unit to move to an extraction area while he proceeded to a nearby base to secure necessary rescue equipment. Upon returning to the area, he discovered that the enemy situation necessitated an evacuation attempt in a heavily wooded area. While attempting to extract the ground force, his evacuation helicopter was shot down by enemy rocket fire. Although injured in the crash, Lieutenant Bessinger immediately removed the injured crewmen from the wreckage. Suddenly, he was attacked by two enemy soldiers. Without hesitation, he whirled and killed the two soldiers with a burst of fire from his rifle. He then established a defensive position and eliminated another enemy soldier as the soldier charged out of nearby cover. Soon, a friendly Light Observation Helicopter landed in a clearing a short distance from the unit's position. Just after Lieutenant Bessinger carried the two most severely wounded men to the aircraft for evacuation, the aircraft was disabled by enemy fire as it attempted to lift off. Moving to the scene of the crash, the lieutenant defended his wounded comrades against the hostile force until a helicopter could land and remove the two critically wounded soldiers. (Remainder of citation missing)
Bias, Ronnie E. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Ronnie E. Bias, 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, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Bia distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 February 1968 as a squad leader of an infantry unit on combat operations near Tay Ninh City. When the lead element was ambushed by a Viet Cong battalion he immediately directed his men to well-protected defensive positions. Many of the men in the lead element had been seriously wounded during the initial exchange of fire and lay exposed to the heavy enemy fire. Without regard for his personal safety, he raced into the withering hail of fire and carried several of the wounded men to safety. When the wounded were all in a secure area, he deployed his remaining men for an assault upon the enemy positions. Twice he led his men into the heavy barrage, destroying many enemy positions and killing numerous enemy soldiers. Readying his men for a third assault, Staff Sergeant Bias had just stepped from cover when a grenade exploded, wounding several men. Though dazed by the terrific blast, he staggered to his feet, rushed into the deadly fire and retrieved his wounded comrades. Throughout the remainder of the battle, he continued to rally his men and lead them against the enemy. His determination and courage contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy. Staff Sergeant Bias' 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.
Bieri, Leon D. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Leon D. Bieri, 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 Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Major Bieri distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 December 1966 while serving as Battalion Operations Officer during the relief of a small unit engaged with two entrenched Viet Cong battalions near Bong Song. Learning that two company commanders had become casualties, Major Bieri volunteered to be flown into the beleaguered companies to led them through the assault. On reaching a company pinned down by intense fire, he fearlessly stood up in the fireswept area and led his men straight into the hostile positions to their front. His sudden attack startled the insurgents and forced them to drop back to a secondary perimeter. Again his men were stopped by devastating fire. Moving to his right to lead a platoon in another flanking maneuver, Major Bieri encountered three insurgents who had penetrated his perimeter. Armed with only a pistol, he killed all three, but suffered a serious shoulder wound. Spotting another sniper behind the lines, he also killed this man before he could fire a shot at the friendly soldiers. When Major Bieri succeeded in leading a squad in a flanking attack on the Viet Cong, the insurgents feared being surrounded and tried to break by running right through his small element. Although losing blood and completely exposed to hostile fire, he directed aerial attacks until the frantic enemy withdrew. Major Bieri then supervised evacuation of the wounded until he passed out for loss of blood. Major Bieri'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.
Biggin, Donald M., Jr. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Donald M. Biggin, 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 Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Platoon Sergeant Biggin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 March 1969 during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near a rubber plantation in Binh Duong Province. As his unit's armored vehicles attempted an on-line assault on the enemy bunker complex, they became stalled by antitank fire. Observing that the unit's weapons were not effectively neutralizing the bunkers, Sergeant Biggin dismounted and engaged two hostile bunkers with an M-72 rocket launcher, destroying them completely. While supervising the evacuation of his wounded men, he noticed a fire burning in one of the tracks and rushed to assist the wounded crew members who were trapped. Placing the casualties on his armored personnel carrier, he proceeded out of the combat zone to an established landing zone. En route, an enemy ambush element waylaid the vehicle wounding all but him and the medic. Sergeant Biggin returned fire, killing one of the enemy, took the driver's position and drove out of the ambush to the evacuation point. After insuring that the injured were evacuated on the extraction helicopter, he returned to the battle and reorganized his men into an effective fighting force. Platoon Sergeant Biggin'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.
Binkoski, Victor R. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Victor R. Binkoski, 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, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Sergeant (then Specialist Four) Binkoski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 September 1968 as a squad leader of an infantry company during a combat operation near Loc Ninh. Sergeant Binkoski was leading a scouting element when he spotted four North Vietnamese soldiers preparing to fire a recoilless rifle. He immediately conducted a running assault, which killed all four communists before they could put the weapon into operation. As his men started to haul the recoilless rifle back to their company's location, they suddenly came under heavy rocket-propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire from an estimated company-size North Vietnamese Army force. Two platoons joined the scouts and a fierce battle ensued. Sergeant Binkoski carried a wounded machine gunner to an evacuation area and returned to find that a platoon leader had been killed and the platoon sergeant seriously wounded. He regrouped the platoon and led a four man team to rescue the casualties who were lying exposed to the hostile barrage. By using himself as a decoy to draw the enemy's fire, he enabled his comrades to recover the two men. Covering for the rescue element, he killed two of the aggressors as he fought his way back. After the casualties had been evacuated, Sergeant Binkoski returned to lead his platoon in an assault on the North Vietnamese position. Spearheading a drive on the recoilless rifle, he came within fifteen meters of the position and killed two of the enemy with hand grenades. The weapon was soon recaptured and the remaining communists were forced to retreat. Sergeant Binkoski'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. Directory: members -> books -> dsc members -> Wireless World Research Forum London, 2002 members -> Lehrbehelf für Prozessregelung und Rechnerverbund Mikroprozessoren und Mikrocomputer, Teil 2 members -> Policies and Procedures 40 – Eligibility members -> Production notes members -> 2010 U. S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster books -> Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner dsc -> World War I last Names h q compiled and Edited By books -> Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner books -> Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner Download 2.59 Mb. Share with your friends:
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