partment of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (December 11, 1964)

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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (December 11, 1964)
  

*McQuade, James Russell (MIA)

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James Russell McQuade, 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 Troop F, 8th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant McQuade distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 June 1972 while serving in support of the 1st Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division in the Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant McQuade was participating in a rescue mission of a downed helicopter crew in an extremely hostile area. Lieutenant McQuade, knowing that the downed aircraft had received intense automatic small and heavy antiaircraft fire, volunteered to go into the heavily infested enemy territory to search for possible survivors. Upon initial entry into the enemy held terrain, Lieutenant McQuade reported taking heavy automatic weapons fire from all sides. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued flying towards the crash site. As he proceeded to the area of the downed aircraft, he reported taking further antiaircraft fire. At approximately 750 meters from the crash site and completely engulfed in hostile fire, Lieutenant McQuade reported taking numerous hits and, shortly thereafter, was hit with a missile of unknown type. His aircraft disintegrated in mid-air. Lieutenant McQuade's unselfish concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers resulted in the loss of his own life. He was well aware of the risks involved but refused to give up the search in the face of the fanatical enemy resistance. Lieutenant McQuade's voluntary participation in a desperately dangerous mission demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 56 (December 31, 1974)
  

Home Town: Hoquiam, Washington

McQuiston, Hugh J., Jr.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Hugh J. McQuiston, 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 A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Platoon Sergeant McQuiston distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 July 1967 while serving as platoon sergeant of an Airmobile platoon on a bunker destroying mission near Tuy An. While entering the village aboard tanks and bulldozers, the platoon was attacked by a well-entrenched enemy force firing automatic weapons and small arms. When the platoon leader was hit, Sergeant McQuiston immediately took command and directed his men into a defensive perimeter. Braving a hail of hostile fire, he dashed into the open numerous times to rescue wounded men from a nearby tank. He continuously exposed himself to the withering fire to rally his men and direct their fire on the Viet Cong positions. He then single- handedly attacked and destroyed an enemy trench with rifle fire and grenades killing eight insurgent soldiers. Notified that reinforcements were on the way, Sergeant McQuiston once more fully exposed himself to organize a blocking force to prevent enemy escape. His calmness and decisive leadership prevented many friendly casualties and contributed greatly to the defeat of the hostile force. Platoon Sergeant McQuiston'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. 4677 (September 15, 1967)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Baynes Ballew McSwain, Jr., 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 A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant McSwain distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 October 1968 as a squad leader during a reconnaissance-in-force mission. His company came under heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire from a fortified Viet Cong base camp. Sergeant McSwain's platoon was pinned down and the point man lay wounded in an open field completely exposed to the communists' barrage. Though wounded in the leg by the initial volley, he immediately deployed his men to provide covering fire and disregarding his safety, crawled further into the enemy line of fire to help his stricken comrade. Shielding the man with his body, he quickly administered first aid and was pulling him to safety when he was mortally wounded by the hostile fusillade. Sergeant McSwain'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. 404 (February 5, 1969)
  

Meade, Wendell T.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Wendell T. Meade, 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, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Meade (then Private First Class) distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 March and 13 March 1967 while serving as medical aidman for an infantry platoon on a combat mission near the Cambodian border. Specialist Meade’s platoon was on its way to relieve another unit engaged with a numerically superior Viet Cong force when it made contact with the enemy. Weaponless because of his religious beliefs, he braved withering enemy fire to aid his critically wounded platoon leader. Time after time he disregarded his own safety to crawl across the bullet-swept area between his platoon and the enemy positions to administer to his stricken comrades. When half the platoon fell back to a more secure position, Specialist Meade remained behind to supervise evacuation of the wounded. At the new position he exposed himself repeatedly to enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire to build a shelter for the casualties. Although seriously wounded while moving to aid an injured comrade, he ignored his injury until treatment of the other man was completed. He continued to move along the perimeter treating the wounded throughout the night and refused evacuation the next morning until all others had been cared for. Specialist Four Meade’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. 4476 (September 2, 1967)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard J. Meadows, Captain (Aviation), U.S. Army, for extraordinary gallantry in action on 21 November 1970 as a member of an all-volunteer joint United States Army and Air Force raiding force organized by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to conduct a heliborne assault in a heroic effort to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam. Throughout the execution phase of the raid, Captain Meadows, an assault group leader, repeatedly risked his life above and beyond the call of duty to insure the success of the raid. Captain Meadows as a passenger on a helicopter that crash-landed inside the prison compound. After debarking from the crashed helicopter, oblivious of enemy fire and without regard for his personal safety and the risk to his life, he single-handedly cleared the southeast guard tower and two small adjacent buildings. His unhesitating and purposeful action eliminated the enemy threat and enabled his subordinate elements to continue their mission without the danger of small arms fire from those strong points. Immediately thereafter he took up a completely exposed position in the center of the compound where, with the aid of a portable loud speaker, he shouted instructions for the prisoners to follow to expedite their release. This action pinpointed his position. Captain Meadows' calm leadership under fire and unswerving devotion to duty contributed greatly to the successful execution of the raid. Captain Meadows' extraordinary gallantry in action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on him and the United States Army.

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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 43 (August 9, 1971)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Daniels Meara, 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 Meara distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 November 1968 while commanding his company on a reconnaissance-in-force-mission south of Landing Zone Billie. As his unit was returning to the landing zone, one platoon suddenly came under intense fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese's Army force and was severed completely from the remainder of the company. Captain Meara immediately turned his lead elements around to go to the aid of the besieged platoon. Approaching the battle area, the relief column also came under heavy small arms fire from enemy bunkers to their front. Captain Meara deployed his troops and moved among their positions, directing their fire, shouting words of encouragement and checking for casualties. After he had prepared his company for an attack, he and his point man led an assault on the first bunker in their path. Firing their weapons and hurling grenades, they charged and destroyed the emplacement, killing its occupants. Despite the fierce hostile fire, the two men continued their furious onslaught until the point man was felled by sniper fire as they advanced on another fortification. Captain Meara instantly placed a heavy volley on the communists and attempted to reach his comrade. Braving the enemy barrage, he courageously persisted in his efforts until he was mortally wounded. Captain Meara's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the coast 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. 384 (February 4, 1969)
  

*Mears, Guy Lamar, Jr. (MIA)

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Guy Lamar Mears, 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 254th Medical Detachment, 45th Medical Company, 44th Medical Brigade, 1st Logistics Command. Specialist Four Mears distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 October 1970 while serving as member of the crew of a medical evacuation helicopter. His 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. 23 (May 30, 1972)
  

Meloy, Guy S.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Guy S. Meloy, 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, 27th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Major Meloy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 3 November 1966 to 5 November 1966 while commanding the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry on a search and destroy operation near Dau Tieng. When one of his rifle companies engaged a large Viet Cong force, the company commander and first sergeant were killed. With complete disregard for his safety, Major Meloy landed his helicopter while receiving intense hostile fire and took command of the beleaguered unit. After ordering two more companies into the battle, he set up a defensive perimeter for the night. The next morning, Major Meloy was wounded by shrapnel while leading his men against the regrouping insurgents. Although pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire, he refused medical aid, and organized the defense against human wave assaults by the Viet Cong. Throughout the remaining 36 hours of the battle, he continuously exposed himself to the hostile fire to encourage his men and directed air strikes against the attacking insurgents. Wounded, and without sleep for two days, he ordered eight more companies into the engagement and commanded the operation until the Viet Cong finally were routed late in the afternoon of 5 November 1966. His gallantry and composure under fire greatly inspired his men to overcome and defeat a numerically superior hostile force. Major Meloy'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. 6950 (December 19, 1966)
  

Home Town: San Antonia, Texas

Menetrey, Louis C.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Louis C. Menetrey, 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, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Menetrey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 April 1968 as a battalion commander during a reconnaissance-in-force mission northwest of Ben Cat. Learning that one man had become separated from the rest of the unit during an encounter between a small security element and the Viet Cong, Colonel Menetrey personally led a platoon into the hazardous area. He and his men located an enemy base camp and received intense fire. Once he had successfully rescued the missing soldier, he brought two additional companies into the battle. Repeatedly exposing himself to the communists' barrage, Colonel Menetrey directed artillery, air strikes and maneuvers of his troops keeping the enemy entrapped and under constant pressure. With complete disregard for his own welfare, he moved to the forefront of the action and led repeated assaults on the enemy strongholds. On one occasion he assisted in moving a wounded tank commander to safety and then directed tank fire from an exposed position, killing several Viet Cong. After being knocked down by a claymore mine, he led a charge which eliminated the enemy troops who had detonated the device. His aggressive and skillful leadership resulted in the severe defeat of the Viet Cong force. Lieutenant Colonel Menetrey'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. 237 (January 23, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Willie Merkerson, Jr., First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), 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-223, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. First Lieutenant Merkerson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions as senior Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese task force conducting a search and destroy mission in Binh Dinh Province. Lieutenant Merkerson repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire and led the two-company force against two North Vietnamese Army battalions. His unit was brought under heavy machine gun and mortar fire, and he moved along his lines, shouting encouragement, rallying the troops, and personally firing machine guns, mortars and grenade launchers. He fearlessly led an attack through the encirclement of the enemy and, under intense sniper fire, set up an evacuation and treatment center for his wounded troops. While rendering first aid to the wounded, he received word that one of his companies was trapped and a fellow advisor had been wounded. He refused airstrikes in the area and proceeded through 250 meters of enemy infested jungle before finding the wounded sergeant. He carried his comrade through intense machine gun and sniper fire to the evacuation area. While in the evacuation area, Lieutenant Merkerson directed air strikes on the enemy positions and called in a Medevac helicopter. He again exposed himself to enemy fire while going back and forth to the helicopter carrying the eleven wounded and five dead soldiers. His fearless leadership and sacrifice turned a possible disaster into a decisive victory. Lieutenant Merkerson'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. 3013 (June 23, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Michienzi, 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, 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Michienzi distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 23 to 25 May 1969 while serving as battalion commander of operations in An Loc District, Binh Long Province. During three days of intense combat, Lieutenant Colonel Michienzi led his forces to three major victories over the North Vietnamese. In each hard-fought engagement, he was at the forefront of the battle directing his forces, adjusting artillery fire and air strikes, personally engaging and killing the enemy and destroying hostile bunkers with hand grenades. He charged enemy fortifications, eliminated machine gun emplacements and killed an enemy battalion commander. Several times he braved the communist fusillade to render first aid to wounded men and to evacuate them to a secured position. Through his leadership and skillful deployment of troops, over two hundred North Vietnamese were slain, and large quantities of enemy arms, ammunition, and documents were captured. Lieutenant Colonel Michienzi'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. 2552 (July 14, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John C. Middleton, 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, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Specialist Four Middleton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 March 1969 while serving as radio-telephone operator on a combat sweep mission near Tap An Bac. From well-concealed fortifications among hedges and bamboo groves, the enemy initiated an attack as Specialist Middleton's unit neared the village. As members of his element provided cover fire, Specialist Middleton maneuvered to a position flanking the enemy and established a cross fire, pinning down the hostile element. When the communists attempted an escape, he delivered a barrage that killed them. The company pressed toward the village, but a hostile machine gun emplacement opened fire. Specialist Middleton assaulted the bunker with grenades and rifle fire, eliminating the occupants. Seeing two men fall to enemy rounds, he aided the rescue of these and other casualties. When his company commander was wounded, Specialist Middleton carried him to the ambulance helicopter amid heavy sniper fire. He then returned to assist a platoon leader in coordinating the movement of the unit elements, resulting in the enemy's defeat. Specialist Four Middleton'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. 2478 (July 9, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Martin C. Miles, 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 B, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Miles distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 March 1969 while serving as platoon leader during a unit reconnaissance-in-force mission near Fire Support Base Danger in Kien Phong Province. After having been inserted into a thickly vegetated area, Sergeant Miles’ platoon encountered fifty- caliber machine gun fire from a well-fortified enemy battalion. When a soldier close by was struck down in the initial salvo, Sergeant Miles immediately applied first aid and then carried the critically wounded man across open terrain to the evacuation point. Suddenly the pick-up zone came under rocket-propelled grenade attack, and Sergeant Miles fearlessly stood up to wave the ambulance helicopter away for the dangerous area. He then had his men withdraw an additional two hundred meters before the evacuation was completed. Returning to the battle field, he called in artillery and gun ships. Reinforced with additional men, Sergeant Miles once more advanced his platoon toward the enemy position in a treeline. Again the hostile force unleashed a barrage that pinned the platoon down. Seeing that several of his men were trapped under a lethal crossfire, Sergeant Miles ran through the fusillade to retrieve an abandoned machine gun, which he used to deliver a devastating base of fire on the enemy positions, thereby enabling the trapped men to withdraw. Staff Sergeant Miles’ 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. 2906 (August 2, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Phillip E. Miller, 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 163d Aviation Company, 101st Aviation Group, 101st Airborne Division. First Lieutenant Miller distinguished himself on 12 November 1969 while piloting a Light Observation Helicopter near Dang Ha Mountain in Quang Tri Province. While transporting two passengers on a routine mission, Lieutenant Miller monitored an emergency medical evacuation report from a heavily engaged ground unit. Changing course, Lieutenant Miller reached the conflict area to give assistance. As he landed on a knob near friendly troops, his aircraft drew intense enemy fire. Discovering that the location of those needing medical evacuation was several meters below, he took off in search of them. With protection from helicopter gunships, Lieutenant Miller maneuvered his aircraft over the wreckage of a downed medical evacuation helicopter. Seeing no signs of life and receiving intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Miller was forced to withdraw. Lieutenant Miller dropped his two passengers off at a nearby fire base and returned to the conflict area, determined to evacuate the casualties. On his third attempt, Lieutenant Miller successfully landed his aircraft on a very small mountainside clearing. Four of the most seriously injured personnel were loaded on board and evacuated. Despite damages incurred on the previous evacuation when a rotor blade struck the surrounding terrain, Lieutenant Miller returned to the conflict area. Without helicopter gunship protection and under intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Miller landed at the evacuation site. As Lieutenant Miller was preparing to take off, after taking three more casualties on board, an enemy rocket-propelled grenade struck the aircraft and severed its tail boom. The aircraft overturned and burst into flames. Although suffering leg injuries, Lieutenant Miller managed to crawl from the aircraft to nearby friendly troops. First Lieutenant Miller'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.