Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Patrick Lawrence Haley, 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 Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Captain (then First Lieutenant) Haley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 October 1966 while serving as pilot of an armed command helicopter during an aerial attack on Viet Cong forces escaping the Ngot Bay area. Completely disregarding intense hostile fire, Captain Haley flew for one hour at very low altitudes in an attempt to locate and fix hostile targets. He dauntlessly remained at the most critical points of combat, never permitting the enemy to pin down friendly ground elements. When a friendly squad received intense Viet Cong fire and refused to retreat because of a casualty lying in an exposed position, Captain Hale unhesitatingly flew between the opposing forces to divert the hostile barrage. Although his ammunition was expended, he persuaded the friendly element to withdraw, then landed and picked up the wounded man. His helicopter was severely damaged by enemy fire while on the ground, but he was able to fly the casualty 150 meters to a safe zone. His heroic actions were highly instrumental in killing 320 Viet Cong and the saving of many American lives. Captain Haley'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. 2282 (May 21, 1967)
  

*Hall, Billie Allen (MIA)

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Billie Allen Hall, 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-102, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. On 9 March 1966, Special Forces Detachment A-102 at Camp Ashau was subjected to a mortar barrage and small arms fire. After a day of continuous enemy bombardment, Camp A Shau was attacked by two North Vietnamese Regiments. With the advantage of surprise, superior firepower and bad weather the enemy hurled wave after wave of troops at the weakening defenses on Camp A Shau. The vicious battle forced the evacuation of the camp, and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Sergeant Hall, a medic, had accompanied a company of one hundred and forty-three men to reinforce Camp A Shau. When the attack started, Sergeant Hall grabbed his weapon and aid kit and ran from his quarters. Seeing many wounded in the center of the camp he ran through the enemy fire to assist in dragging the wounded to safety and treating them. Throughout the bombardment, he ran from position to position treating the wounded. Seeing two wounded Americans lying on a road in the center of the camp in the midst of numerous mortar explosions, Sergeant Hall ran to their aid. With enemy mortar rounds bursting all around him, he reached the two men and dragged them into a ditch and gave them medical aid. A direct hit on this trench killed one of the wounded Americans, an interpreter and wounded two other Americans nearby. Although Sergeant Hall had both his legs blown off when this round exploded, he refused medical attention. Being the only qualified medic at that location, he realized his responsibility to the wounded. Only after these men were treated and moved did he allow himself to be carried to the dispensary. On reaching the dispensary, though in extreme pain and weak from great loss of blood, Sergeant Hall permitted only slight treatment of his severe wounds to stem the flow of blood so he might live longer to direct operations at the aid station. Through an interpreter, he directed indigenous medics in caring for the wounded. He continued this gallant task until his body could withstand no more the demands being placed upon it, and he lapsed into a coma and died. Sergeant Hall's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the cost of his own life, was a continuous inspiration to the entire garrison of Camp A Shau. His sacrifice was the spark needed to ignite the flame of desire in each man to repulse the relentless enemy as long as means were available. Sergeant Hall's unimpeachable valor in close combat was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 18 (April 18, 1967)
  

Hall, Sequoyah

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Sequoyah Hall, 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, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant Hall distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 April 1970 while serving as squad leader during an operation in Phuoc Long Province. As Sergeant Hall's squad moved through the dense jungle, they came under a heavy barrage of rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire from an undetermined sized enemy force. Although seriously wounded by the initial burst of fire, Sergeant hall began adjusting artillery fire upon the well-concealed foe and directed his men into defensive positions. As the hostile force attempted to assault the friendly elements locations, the sergeant met the brunt of the attack and repelled the assailants with devastating volleys of automatic weapon fire. After his ammunition was expended, Sergeant Hall painfully crawled forward and tossed fragmentation grenades at the enemy which blocked their avenue of assault and forced them to withdraw. Sergeant Hall'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. 5395 (December 28, 1970)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George E. Hamilton, 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, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Private First Class Hamilton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 August 1966 while serving as a machine gunner on a search and destroy mission near Plei Me. When the lead element suddenly made contact with a large Viet Cong force, Private Hamilton's platoon quickly advanced to provide support. With complete disregard for his safety while receiving sniper fire, he deliberately exposed himself to the hostile fire and killed a sniper in a nearby tree. When the two platoons withdrew and set up a defensive perimeter, Private Hamilton voluntarily remained behind to provide covering fire. Later, when the insurgents attempted to overrun the small American force, he set up his machine gun in an exposed position to provide the most effective fire. His suppressive fire was primarily responsible for the defeat of three human wave assaults, the destruction of one Viet Cong machine gun, and two automatic weapon emplacements. Although wounded in the shoulder during these fierce attacks, Private Hamilton dauntlessly tossed hand grenades into the charging insurgents. He again exposed himself to the intense fire as he moved about the area throwing hostile grenades back on the Viet Cong positions. His exceptional gallantry ended only when an exploding grenade knocked him unconscious. Private First Class Hamilton'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. 6939 (December 19, 1966)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gilbert Lee Hamilton, 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 Command and Control Detachment (North), FOB 1 (Phu Bai), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Hamilton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 January 1968 as Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese unit conducting a reconnaissance mission in enemy territory. The patrol had taken a defensive position on high ground while waiting for helicopter extraction from the area of operations. Sergeant Hamilton volunteered to lead a seven-man security team outside the unit's perimeter to search for signs of possible enemy activity around its position. While moving through heavy elephant grass, the patrol was savagely ambushed at close range by insurgents firing automatic weapons. Sergeant Hamilton was severely wounded by a burst of enemy bullets, but returned fierce fire killing at least one enemy soldier. He then quickly organized his trapped troops into a tight perimeter and directed their counterfire against the surrounding hostile elements. Although he was struck three more times by enemy bullets, he continued to direct the defense of his men. He made radio contact with helicopter gunships in the area and skillfully adjusted their supporting fires on the enemy positions to prevent the attackers from overrunning the small team. His gallant and determined actions in the heat of battle were responsible for saving his comrades from annihilation. Sergeant First Class Hamilton'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. 1468 (April 1, 1968)
  

Hammer, Martin J.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Martin J. Hammer, 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. On 6 May 1966, First Lieutenant Hammer was serving as 2d Platoon Leader, Company A, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), near the insurgent-held village of Than Binh when they became engaged with a force of North Vietnamese estimated to be of battalion size. As the company moved in on the insurgents, the 2d Platoon moved from its reserve position to block an avenue of escape around the company's right flank. Despite the increased volume of insurgent fire, Lieutenant Hammer led his platoon across more than 15o meters of sniper infested area to an effective blocking position against the insurgent's withdrawal. While moving from squad to squad, he was wounded in the wrist. Requiring help, Lieutenant Hammer braved the fire to direct a unit that had been sent up to help his beleaguered platoon and was wounded a second time. Later the insurgents launched a suicidal grenade attack on the 2d Platoon's left flank and Lieutenant Hammer single-handedly repelled the attack. Discovering that one of his men had been wounded, he again braved the insurgent's fire and dragged him to safety. While directing the 1st Platoon that was sent up to reinforce his line, he received a serious shrapnel wound in the chest but still refused evacuation in order to remain and direct his men during the remainder of the fight. Only after his platoon was in its new position and the wounded taken care of did he allow himself to be evacuated. First Lieutenant Hammer'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, Pacific, General Orders No. 216 (September 8, 1966)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James Russell Hammersla, First Lieutenant (Transportation Corps), 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 379th Transportation Company (Reefer), 7th Transportation Battalion (Truck), 48th Transportation Group (Motor Transport), United States Army Support Command. First Lieutenant Hammersla distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 December 1968 as commander of a convoy carrying supplies from Long Binh to Dau Tieng. The convoy was ambushed by an estimated battalion-sized force of North Vietnamese Army troops occupying positions from fifteen to a hundred and fifty meters from the road and covering a twelve hundred meter killing zone. As the trucks ahead began receiving fire, Lieutenant Hammersla's jeep was struck by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade. One of the trucks in front of him was then hit in the engine compartment disabling it in the middle of the road. Lieutenant Hammersla and the other occupants quickly dismounted from their crippled vehicle and began returning fire on the North Vietnamese. Realizing that other sections of the convoy would soon drive into the ambush, he courageously returned to his jeep through the intense hostile fire and radioed a warning. He was wounded by the communists' barrage, but managed to return to his defensive position where he continued to encourage his men and direct their fire until he was mortally wounded by the enemy fusillade. His radio message prevented other convoy vehicles from being ambushed and caused reinforcements to be immediately dispatched to the battle site. First Lieutenant Hammersla'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. 1423 (April 23, 1969)
  

Hand, Michael J.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Michael J. Hand, 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 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Private First Class Hand distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 and 10 June 1965. His 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, Pacific, General Orders No. 23 (1966)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert Smith Hardison, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Private First Class Hardison distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 March 1969 as a platoon medic during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Landing Zone Cider in Kontum Province. The men in the point element engaged several North Vietnamese Army soldiers. As the remainder of the platoon moved forward to assist them, ferocious B-40 rocket, mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire erupted from three sides. Seeing numerous casualties in the enemy killing zone, Private Hardison repeatedly braved the devastating fire to administer medical treatment and instruct others in caring for the injured. Rescuing the wounded from under the communist' fusillade, he brought them to his unit's hastily formed defensive perimeter. As the platoon was about to withdraw, he made a final check of the area where the point element had first made contact and spotted a wounded soldier lying exposed to fierce enemy fire. Racing to the casualty, he shielded the man with his own body and was administering lifesaving first aid when he was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. Private First Class Hardison'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. 2199 (June 23, 1969)
  

*Hardy, Herbert Francis, Jr.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Herbert Francis Hardy, Jr., Captain (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 Detachment A-334, 5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Hardy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 February 1964. As Commander of Special Forces Detachment A-334, Captain Hardy was directing the operations of a Vietnamese strike force platoon when the friendly unit became engaged in violent combat with Viet Cong forces. During the ensuing battle, in which the strike force personnel withdrew, Captain Hardy exposed himself to the rounds of mortar fire in an attempt to rally the platoon and organize a counter-attack. When this effort was unsuccessful, he then bravely led a remaining American advisor and a Vietnamese sergeant down a slope and launched a direct attack on the enemy. Despite the heavy volume of automatic and small arms fire directed at the small force, the swiftness of their actions dislodged the enemy from their well-entrenched positions and caused them to flee toward their mortar positions. Then, when the American advisor sustained a severe leg injury, Captain Hardy quickly provided covering fire, rushed to his aid, and succeeded in pulling him to a safe position. After administering first aid to his fellow soldier, he initiated the withdrawal of the small party toward their base camp. Throughout this extremely dangerous operation which required their going through Viet Cong infested territory and exposure to traps and ambushes, he periodically reconnoitered the route ahead of the party and, after a grueling ordeal lasting four and one-half hours, succeeded in bringing his small force to the safety of the patrol base. His dynamic leadership, coolness under fire, and deep concern for the safety of his men averted further casualties and served as an inspiration to all who served with him during this hazardous operation. Captain Hardy's valiant efforts and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.

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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (March 9, 1965)
  

*Harper, Tony

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Tony Harper, 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, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Harper distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 July 1969 while serving as a platoon leader during a reconnaissance mission near Trang Bang. His platoon suddenly came under heavy fire from a concealed enemy bunker. A firefight followed during which a machine gunner was seriously wounded in close proximity to the hostile fortification. Lieutenant Harper attempted to retrieve the wounded man, but was driven back by intense fire. He then organized a squad of volunteers to overtake the enemy position and rescue their comrade. After crawling several hundred meters, the squad launched an assault on the enemy's flanks. While the other squad members provided cover fire, Lieutenant Harper rushed the bunker, hurling grenades and firing his weapon on the run. Through his aggressive leadership and actions, the hostile emplacement and its occupants were eliminated and the body of the American soldier was recovered. Second Lieutenant Harper'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. 3873 (October 14, 1969)
  

Harr, Gerry A.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gerry A. Harr, 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Harr distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 April 1968 as a platoon leader during a reconnaissance-in-force operation near the Song Be River in Chon Thon Province. Upon entering a hostile base camp, his battalion came in contact with a large enemy force concealed in well fortified positions. Lieutenant Harr's platoon was part of the lead element and came under heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire. As assault was made on the Viet Cong, but it was halted by an intense enemy barrage. Moving far forward, Lieutenant Harr boldly exposed himself to a hail of bullets to fire an antitank weapon at a key bunker. Unable to destroy the strongly built fortification, he charged through a hail of fire and hurled a hand grenade into the bunker, and then crawled inside to insure its occupants were dead. Receiving fire from a previously undetected position, he assaulted it also, slaying one Viet Cong with rifle fire and one with a grenade. He then entered the emplacement, again making certain no resistance remained. His example inspired the men of his unit to unleash an assault which overran the enemy base camp. First Lieutenant Harr'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. 4276 (September 10, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Rohnie Harrell, 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, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 505th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division. Sergeant Harrell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 April 1968 as a squad leader during a company sweep northwest of Hue. His squad, point element for his platoon, maneuvered against well-fortified enemy positions which had pinned down the rest of the company. Sergeant Harrell advanced through a hail of fire, entered the enemy trench system, and killed two North Vietnamese soldiers. Hurling grenades, he continued to expose himself to enemy fire as he moved down the trench to eliminate a North Vietnamese Army position inside a nearby house. He destroyed the emplacement and began to return to his platoon's position. As he did so he found four wounded comrades in the trench. He deployed three of them into a hasty defensive position and dragged the severely wounded fourth man to cover. He then returned to the other wounded, led them to a protected friendly position, and integrated them into the company's defenses. Upon returning to his platoon, Sergeant Harrell relayed timely information concerning the location of enemy positions to his officers, allowing them to better deploy their troops against the insurgents. Sergeant Harrell'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.