Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1568 (April 8, 1968)
  

*Stigall, Arthur Donald

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arthur Donald Stigall, 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, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Stigall distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 November 1967 while leading two of his infantry companies on a search and destroy mission near Loc Ninh. Moving through an abandoned rubber plantation, his entire force was suddenly subjected to intensely savage claymore, small arms, and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Both companies sustained heavy casualties in the initial moments of the attack by the well- concealed enemy. Colonel Stigall positioned his command post between the two companies and established maximum control of the defensive actions of his troops. His position was then subjected to vicious Viet Cong fire and he was shot through the knee. Courageously ignoring his wound he initiated skillful, determined counter-fire against the enemy. When he received word that one of his company commanders had been wounded, he immediately assumed the direction of that company by radio. Enemy fire destroyed his radio and he repeatedly exposed himself to the ravaging hostile fire to direct his troops by voice as he searched for another radio. An exploding Viet Cong rocket knocked him to the ground. He again stood up in the deadly hail of fire, and when he saw a radio operator nearby, he ran toward his position, firing at the advancing enemy with his pistol until he received a mortal wound. His continual display of courage and determination was responsible for his men's coordinated and effective reaction to the insurgent attack and undoubtedly saved many of his comrades' lives. Lieutenant Colonel Stigall'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. 6216 (December 2, 1967)
  

*Stoflet, Michael Howard

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Michael Howard Stoflet, 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 A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Stoflet distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 November 1966. 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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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 676 (1967)
  

*Stone, Byron Clark

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Byron Clark Stone, 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 the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Stone distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 August 1964 while serving as an advisor to the 41st Ranger Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, when the friendly forces were suddenly ambushed by hostile elements. Undaunted by the extremely heavy enemy gun fire, Captain Stone completely disregarded his own personal safety and bravely exposed himself to the full force of the violent enemy attack to cover the withdrawal of the friendly troops. During the ensuing battle in which the enemy launched several vicious assaults, he remained in an exposed position to defend the friendly units and repel the enemy. Although the intensity of the enemy gun fire increased, he demonstrated fortitude and perseverance by holding his position for 1 hour and 40 minutes while annihilating a great number of enemy troops. Despite the overwhelming onslaught, he covered the withdrawal of the friendly forces with outstanding effectiveness and continued his courageous efforts until mortally wounded. Captain Stone'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. 2 (February 5, 1965)
  

*Stone, James Marvin

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James Marvin Stone, 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, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant Stone distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 January 1968 as commanding officer of an airmobile infantry company on a search and destroy operation in the Que Son Valley. A sister unit had become heavily engaged in combat with a North Vietnamese Army battalion, and Lieutenant Stone led his men to reinforce the beleaguered troops. His company was savagely attacked with mortars and encircled by the enemy. He then directed maneuver elements of his unit to link up with an enveloped platoon of the second company while he led a furious assault against the numerically superior enemy. His slashing attack momentarily disorganized the hostile force and enabled the trapped platoon to move from its untenable position. As the enemy fusillade increased, Lieutenant Stone joined forces with the sister unit's main body, deploying his men in abandoned trenches and directed devastating return fire on the attackers. As the intensity of the fight increased, it became necessary for the friendly force to break out of the enemy encirclement or face possible annihilation. Fully exposing himself to a withering hostile barrage, Lieutenant Stone called suppressing artillery fire against North Vietnamese positions and supervised the preparation of the wounded for movement. Braving ravaging mortar and recoilless rifle fire, he then directed his troops' savage assault on the enemy lines. With bullets striking all around him, he led the fierce charge along a North Vietnamese trenchline and his men succeeded in breaking the encirclement. He was mortally wounded while fearlessly leading his company in close combat against a determined enemy force. First Lieutenant Stone'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. 1838 (April 20, 1968)
  

*Stone, Raymond Edward, Jr.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Raymond Edward Stone, Jr., Second 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, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Stone distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 December 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an infantry company conducting a combat mission near Katum. His platoon suddenly received heavy automatic weapons, small arms, and recoilless rifle fire from an enemy force of unknown size in well fortified bunkers in a woodline. Lieutenant Stone immediately deployed his troops and led a fierce assault on the insurgents. Fifteen meters into the trees and undergrowth, his platoon encountered a thick wall of bamboo which concealed the hostile positions. Exposed to savage and relentless fire, he moved along the wall to an opening which was a firing lane and spotted two bunkers. Several of his men lay wounded in the exposed area, and Lieutenant Stone dashed through a hail of bullets to carry the casualties from the enemy killing zone to safety. Returning to the position with a recoilless rifle team, he threw hand grenades and placed a heavy volume of fire on the bunkers to draw the insurgents' fire until the recoilless rifle could engage the fortifications. The recoilless rifle received a direct hit from an enemy rocket round, and Lieutenant Stone and the gun crew were all wounded. He then called for more grenades to continue his gallant assault and enable the evacuation of the other casualties. Moving within ten meters of the hostile emplacements which had his troops pinned down, he destroyed the bunker with accurately thrown hand grenades. Just s he threw the last grenade, another enemy position began firing on him and he was instantly killed. His fearless and determined actions in close combat saved the lives of many fellow soldiers. Second Lieutenant Stone'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. 699 (February 15, 1968)
  

Stowell, Robert D.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert D. Stowell, 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 E, 17th Cavalry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). First Lieutenant Stowell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 March 1967 while serving as patrol leader during a mission to capture a prisoner deep in War Zone C. When Lieutenant Stowell's unit triggered an attack on two insurgents using a heavily traveled Viet Cong trail, the enemy gathered in increasing numbers, trying to pin down the patrol and surround it. As the hostile presence grew to squad strength with several machine guns, Lieutenant Stowell radioed for gunship support and organized his men for a move to a landing zone. The patrol members were forced to fight their way to the helicopter pickup point. He fearlessly remained behind his men and single-handedly staved off the constant Viet Cong attacks from the area. When he grouped his men into a tight perimeter for the landing zone, the enemy force poured an awesome amount of fire onto them. Lieutenant Stowell appeared contemptuous of the danger, and moved about fearlessly guiding artillery and air strikes in ever-tightening circles around his position. When the evacuation helicopter came in, he again demonstrated his courage and concern for his men by remaining on the ground until all of his men were on board. Although Lieutenant Stowell received serious stomach and chest wounds early in the firefight, his men did not learn of them until they were flying out of the area. First Lieutenant Stowell'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. 2321 (May 22, 1967)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Brent Anthony Street, 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 E, 2d Squadron, 8th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Street distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 April 1970 while defending Fire Support Base Illingsworth against an enemy attack in Tay Ninh Province. Following an intense barrage of hostile rocket and mortar fire, the enemy launched an aggressive ground assault on the allied base camp. Specialist Street immediately manned a fighting position located on a large berm and engaged the enemy with his rifle and hand grenades as they approached the base perimeter. As the battle raged on, the specialist's weapon malfunctioned and his supply of grenades was exhausted. Refusing to withdraw, the remained on station and continued to resist the enemy utilizing hand to hand combat. When a nearby ammunition storage area caught fire, Specialist Street again refused to withdraw to a more secure position. As he continued his determined fight against the onrushing enemy, an enemy mortar round exploded beside Specialist Street, and mortally wounded him. Specialist Street'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. 4467 (September 21, 1970)
  

Stuart, Richard

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard Stuart, 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, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Stuart distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 August 1968 as a perimeter sentry on top of Nui Ba Den Mountain. His unit came under a heavy mortar and rocket attack, followed by a ground assault. While fighting off a platoon which charged their bunker, Specialist Stuart and his companions held their position until they were wounded by enemy rockets. He immediately gave first aid to two of the men and then went to get a medic despite the fierce automatic weapons and small arms fire. Upon leaving his position he spotted an aggressor who was about to launch a rocket into the bunker, and killed him with a burst from his rifle. After returning with an aidman to his beleaguered position, he continued to engage the communists and was badly wounded in the hand during a subsequent enemy assault. Ignoring his painful injury, he remained at his station throughout the night until the hostile forces had been defeated. Specialist Stuart'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. 466 (February 10, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jasper Dean Sturdivant, Second 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 B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Sturdivant distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 July 1966 while leading a two-squad patrol during a search and destroy near Thang Duc. When his unit received intense hostile fire from a reinforced Viet Cong company, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant and many of his men were seriously wounded. As the insurgent onslaught continued, a portion of his hasty defense was overrun and the remainder of his force was surrounded. Despite the severity of his wounds and repeated attacks by the fanatical Viet Cong, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant rallied his isolated force, radioed for reinforcements, and continued to direct and encourage his comrades. Realizing that his force was about to be overrun, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant, with complete disregard for his own safety, called artillery onto his own position in an effort to break the encirclement. He continued to operate the radio and fire his weapon until his ammunition was expended. Fully aware that he was critically wounded, Second Lieutenant Sturdivant disassembled his weapon, placed the bolt under his body, and died. Second Lieutenant Sturdivant'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. 5894 (October 3, 1966)
  

*Swann, Johnny Delbert

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jonnny Delbert Swann, 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 B, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Specialist Four Swann distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 September 1969 while serving as a team leader during a reconnaissance operation in Tay Ninh Province. His company was moving through thick jungle when it came under intense small arms and mortar barrages from a North Vietnamese force. In the initial contact several members of the point element were wounded, and the enemy immediately launched an assault against the weakened position. Realizing the enemy's tactical plan, Specialist Swann deployed his fire team on line to meet the assault and to form a defensive perimeter in front of the two isolated men. Specialist Swann began moving through the dense underbrush to their aid. With his team providing cover fire, he reached the wounded point man and carried him through the hostile fusillade to the safety of the friendly defensive position. After insuring his wounded comrade received medical treatment, Specialist Swann returned through the hail of enemy fire and thick foliage to the injured medic and began carrying him from the exposed area. As Specialist Swann reached the defensive line of his team, he was fatally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. Specialist Four Swann'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. 4391 (December 6, 1969)
  

Sweet, Richard Searcy

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard Searcy Sweet, 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 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Sweet distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 3 to 5 February 1968 as a battalion commander defending the city of Hue. Colonel Sweet was on the ground with his front line troops when the enemy launched an attack on the city. Positioning himself far forward, he disregarded the intense North Vietnamese mortar and sniper fire and expertly directed his forces in an advance toward Hue. His brilliant leadership enabled all four of his companies to successfully cross a wide open rice paddy into the city while under a constant enemy fusillade. He then led his battalion through the first line of enemy resistance, and by nightfall had succeeded in establishing a tight defensive perimeter. Under a steady hail of mortar and heavy automatic weapons fire from three sides, the battalion fiercely fought to retain its position. Early in the morning of 4 February the perimeter came under an extremely heavy bombardment and shortly thereafter began receiving ground attacks by large numbers of North Vietnamese soldiers. The battalion was soon encircled by a North Vietnamese regiment, and heavy enemy fire rained on the defenders from all directions. Colonel Sweet skillfully directed the perimeter defense, personally encouraging his troops’ fight. Following their commander’s example, the officers and men of the battalion fought savagely to repulse the enemy. After dark, Colonel Sweet devised a plan to deceive the surrounding North Vietnamese forces and move through their positions to a new location deeper in their lines of communication. The entire battalion slipped through the enemy’s encirclement without suffering one casualty. Again Colonel Sweet’s example provided the inspiration for his troops and by daybreak they had successfully occupied commanding terrain deep inside the enemy’s area of operations. Lieutenant Colonel Sweet’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of 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. 4158 (August 28, 1968)
  

Home Town: Providence, Rhode Island

*Swoveland, William Alan

Synopsis:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Alan Swoveland, 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 Squadron, 1st Cavalry, 1st Armored Division. Sergeant Swoveland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1968 while serving as Scout Section Leader near Tam Ky. 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. 36 (June 6, 1969)
  

Sydnor, Elliot P., Jr.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Elliot P. Sydnor, Jr., Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary gallantry in action on 21 November 1970. Colonel Sydnor volunteered to command an all-volunteer raiding force organized to conduct a heliborne assault in an heroic attempt to rescue United States personnel being held as prisoners of war at the Son Tay prison in North Vietnam. Colonel Sydnor displayed outstanding leadership and personal courage as he personally directed the assault on the compound and the withdrawal of the entire raiding force. Colonel Sydnor's masterful command and control of the operation under the most hazardous combat conditions was exemplary. His keen mind and alertness to the constantly changing situation enabled him to effectively direct and control the actions of the joint assault force air and ground elements and maneuver them as the situation required. In order to maintain the critical control required over the complex raid operation, Colonel Sydnor unhesitatingly and fearlessly exposed himself time and time again to the enemy's small arms and automatic weapons fire. When the withdrawal began, Colonel Sydnor, with utter disregard for his personal safety, constantly stood fully exposed in the helicopter landing zone in order to direct the withdrawal and insure that not one man was unwittingly left behind. The success of the mission was directly attributed to his dynamic and fearless leadership and to the heroic example he set for his officers and men. The degree of his valorous action was further accentuated by his prior knowledge of the location of the prison compound--eighteen kilometers from the capital city of North Vietnam. Knowing full well the enemy forces were armed with automatic weapons and the target area saturated with enemy installations, high performance aircraft, and antiaircraft defenses; Colonel Sydnor's premeditated personal risk, extraordinary heroism against an armed hostile force, and extreme devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.