Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jean D. Poutrain, 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, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Poutrain distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 February 1967 while serving as a member of an infantry company during a search and destroy mission near Phu Loc. As his company approached to within 100 meters of a village, it was hit and pinned down by intense machine gun fire. Private Poutrain was assigned to a squad that assaulted the Viet Cong weapon emplacements through a rice paddy. When he saw a fellow squad member fall in an area exposed to the insurgent gunners, Private Poutrain unhesitatingly ran through the hostile barrage to bring his comrade back to a covered position. He treated the wounded man, then ran to another squad to administer first aid to other casualties. When the order was given to withdraw so that an air strike could be made on the village, Private Poutrain carried his wounded platoon leader across the rice paddy, protecting him with his own body. Reaching cover with his leader, he once again ignored his own safety to retrieve another casualty from a position exposed to the Viet Cong gunners. He was hit in the face by shrapnel while treating the casualties, but refused to be evacuated and remained with his platoon until the next day. Private First Class Poutrain’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. 2709 (June 7, 1967)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas E. Powell, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for exceptional heroism in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Powell distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 21 November 1970. Disregarding the high degree of personal risk involved, Sergeant Powell volunteered to participate in a heliborne assault on the Son Tay prison in North Vietnam in an heroic attempt to rescue United States military personnel being held there as prisoners of war. On insertion into the target area, Sergeant Powell completely disregarded his personal safety and exposed himself to automatic weapons fire in order to provide effective supporting machine gun fire for his element. When his fire was masked by friendly troops, he again unhesitatingly braved automatic weapons fire to locate a position from which he could bring withering fire upon the enemy. Sergeant Powell’s professionalism, personal courage, and devotion to his fellow team members contributed significantly to the success of the mission. Sergeant Powell’s premeditated personal risk, extraordinary heroism in combat, and extreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect 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 Francis Edward Powers, Jr., 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, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry (Americal) Division. Captain Powers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 October 1970 while serving as Company Commander during a combat assault operation near the village of An Kinh, Quang Ngai Province. Upon helicopter insertion into the landing zone, Captain Powers' company was engaged by North Vietnamese Regulars, firing from well-concealed bunkers. Immediately Captain Powers raced across a fire-swept rice paddy in order to direct his company movements. After calling for air and artillery support, the captain led a five-man team on a rescue mission to retrieve friendly casualties located just meters from enemy bunkers. Amid a fusillade of enemy bullets, Captain Powers extracted numerous wounded ground troops to a safer position. During this rescue operation, Captain Powers was mortally wounded by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade. Captain Powers' 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. 1428 (April 28, 1971)
  

*Price, Arnold W.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Arnold W. Price, 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, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Private First Class Price distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 February 1968 as a rifleman during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Thu Duc. As his company's lead platoon entered an overgrown stand of small trees, it began receiving sniper fire. Suddenly the entire unit was subjected to intense small arms, automatic weapons, rocket and machine gun fire from two Viet Cong battalions. The lead platoon was isolated from the company by the concentrated enemy fire. Private Price was returning fire when he heard the lead element was being assaulted and had sustained heavy casualties. He ran through the murderous enemy fire into the grove to assist his comrades. Although wounded by the fusillade, Private Price refused medical aid and braved the relentless enemy fire to evacuate three casualties. As he carried a fourth man from the battlefield, he was killed by the ravaging enemy fire. Private First Class Price'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. 3579 (July 26, 1968)
  

Primmer, Frank G.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Frank G. Primmer, 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, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Primmer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 November 1966 while serving as a platoon leader on a combat reconnaissance patrol. When the company to his left made contact with an entrenched Viet Cong force, Lieutenant Primmer immediately led his platoon forward to provide flanking fire. As the unit advanced, it was pinned down by intense automatic weapons and sniper fire. With complete disregard for his safety, Lieutenant Primmer repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire to encourage his men and organize the defense. Although wounded, he refused evacuation and remained with his beleaguered platoon. While under attack from three sides, he dauntlessly directed air strikes and artillery fire against the hostile positions. Rather than withdraw and leave the casualties behind, Lieutenant Primmer continually inspired his men to hold their position and fight off numerous insurgent attacks during the four hour battle. When a relief force finally arrived, he was again wounded as he directed the evacuation of dead and wounded comrades. Through his courage and leadership heavy casualties were inflicted on the numerically superior Viet Cong force. Lieutenant Primmer’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 Untied States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 7026 (December 25, 1966)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Paul M. Pritchard, Major (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Senior Advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 April 1972, the 91st Company and the Command Group of the 9th Airborne Battalion were located in the vicinity of the 22nd Army of Vietnam Division. Throughout the pre-dawn hours the area had been under constant bombardment from enemy artillery, mortar and rocket fire. While under the rocket attack the TOC of the 22nd Army of Vietnam Division took a direct hit. While the shells continued to rain onto the position, Major Pritchard immediately went into the burning structure to assist in the removal of the friendly casualties. Shortly after returning to his position, he spotted three enemy tanks wheeling onto the airstrip and heading directly for the now smoldering ruins of the 22nd Army Vietnam Division Headquarters. Major Pritchard immediately left the safety of his position and directed a 105 recoilless into position, scoring a direct hit and knocking out the lead tank. Two 9th Battalion paratroopers had secured a XM-202 and successfully knocked out the second tank, causing the third tank to immediately withdraw to a more suitable firing position. At this time, and from exposed positions, Major Pritchard alternately directed air strikes into the enemy forces. In the late hours of 23 April 1972, as a result of constant shelling and continued enemy pressure, an evaluation of the situation resulted in the command issuing orders for the battalion to relocate. As the first helicopters to make the extraction took off it was immediately taken under fire by intensive and accurate AK-47 and 51 caliber fires, crashed, and exploded into flames. The aircraft Major Pritchard was on also crashed upon take off, and resulted in him being wounded in the arms, legs and face. Major Pritchard’s courageous and professional leadership directly resulted in the destruction of two T-54 tanks and countless recoilless rifles, with no less than 50 enemy dead, not to include the countless unconfirmed dead and wounded. His professional competency and bravery enabled his men to tactically withdraw under fire and return safely. Major Pritchard’s extraordinary heroic actions and conspicuous gallantry are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (February 3, 1976)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Bernard Proffit, 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, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Proffit distinguished himself while serving as machine gunner during combat operations northwest of An Khe. As Specialist Proffit’s platoon was preparing to depart their night defensive position on the morning of 3 August 1970, they were suddenly attacked by an element of enemy soldiers firing small arms, rockets, and hand grenades. Although wounded in the initial attack, Specialist Proffit secured his machine gun and ran to a forward position to obtain a clear field of fire. Standing alone in an exposed position, he directed a continuous stream of fire at the enemy soldiers, ultimately forcing them to withdraw. Throughout the engagement, Specialist Proffit remained in his exposed position repulsing the enemy attack until he collapsed over his weapon. Specialist Four Proffit’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. 4854 (October 16, 1970)
  

Pruitt, James N.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James N. Pruitt, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 17 July 1969 while serving with the Command and Control Detachment North, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, as a Team leader of a seven-man Long Range Reconnaissance Team operating deep within enemy territory on an intelligence-gathering mission. Shortly after insertion Sergeant Pruitt observed an enemy platoon approximately fifty meters from his position. Utilizing the advantage of surprise, Sergeant Pruitt led an assault upon the enemy platoon. Under Sergeant Pruitt's professional guidance the team captured one enemy soldier and killed five more. However, in doing so they exposed their position and were soon surrounded by two more platoons of the enemy. During the ensuing firefight the prisoner of war was killed. Sergeant Pruitt directed airstrikes against the attacking force while his assistant team leader directed the team members' fire. Sergeant Pruitt then saw another enemy soldier and recognized an opportunity to capture a prisoner of war. Sergeant Pruitt informed the Airborne Controller of his intentions and directed the air support to diminish momentarily. Taking his assistant team leader Sergeant Pruitt assaulted the enemy's position. In this assault Sergeant Pruitt killed two more enemy and succeeded in capturing another insurgent. Upon returning to his team's defensive perimeter, he requested emergency extraction. The enemy renewed their attack in a determined effort to annihilate the reconnaissance team, thus preventing the capture of one of their comrades. In this murderous assault one of the team members was killed and one seriously wounded. Realizing the importance of returning the prisoner of war to allied forces, Sergeant Pruitt threw his own body against the prisoner of war in an effort to prevent his death. However, the numerically superior enemy force gained fire superiority and seriously wounded Sergeant Pruitt and silenced their captured comrade. Although painfully wounded, Sergeant Pruitt continued to direct friendly airstrikes until so weakened by loss of blood he could not continue to do so, at which time the assistant team leader took command and directed the extraction. Throughout the entire action Sergeant Pruitt clearly and sincerely placed the importance of accomplishing his assigned mission above any other aspect, including his personal safety. Sergeant Pruitt's team accounted for nine enemy soldiers killed with Sergeant Pruitt personally accounting for four of this number. Sergeant Pruitt's gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, and the United States Army.

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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 50 (September 8, 1970)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert D. Pryor, 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 Detachment A-344, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Specialist Four Pryor distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as an intelligence specialist at Camp Bunard. During the early hours of 20 June 1969 hostile mortars and rockets began to rain on the compound and a force of enemy sappers managed to infiltrate the perimeter defense and sever communication lines between the tactical operations center and the perimeter bunkers. Specialist Pryor left his mortar pit where he had been firing illumination rounds and immediately headed for the edge of the camp. On discovering that the trench system on the east and northeast sides of the base were occupied by the Viet Cong, he commenced relaying information that enabled the operations center to direct airstrikes on the invaders. Meanwhile, Specialist Pryor rallied an element of camp strike force personnel to recapture the enemy-held positions. Spotting a number of hostile rocket emplacements near the airstrip, he quickly informed the operations center and the rocket emplacements were destroyed. After the trenches had been secured, Specialist Pryor continued to check the perimeter defense, giving encouragement to the indigenous soldiers and reporting enemy positions to the operations center. Discovering that the southeastern section of the perimeter had been overrun by the Viet Cong, he informed his superiors of the threat and then proceeded to assist two Vietnamese troops in routing the enemy. When reinforcements arrived, they found that Specialist Pryor had stood his ground, even after his two comrades had been killed and he himself had been seriously wounded. Specialist Four Pryor’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. 3422 (September 7, 1969)
  

Home Town: San Bernardino, California

Puckett, Ralph, Jr.

(Second Award)

The Distinguished Service Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) is presented to Ralph Puckett, Jr., 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 (Airborne), 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Lieutenant Colonel Puckett distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 August 1967 while serving as Commanding Officer of an airborne infantry battalion on combat operations near Duc Pho. Shortly after elements of his unit were heavily engaged by a hostile battalion, Colonel Puckett landed in the battle zone to coordinate defenses and to assess the battlefield situation. Disregarding his own safety, he moved across a heavily mined area to the point of the most ferocious fighting to direct and inspire his men against the hostile force. Other elements were savagely attacked with intense mortar fire, so he decentralized the command post to reduce the chance of entire command element being hit. To do this, he personally occupied a foxhole position. He exposed himself to withering fire throughout the night to visit the men in their positions and to encourage and inspire them with his personal bravery and firm determination to overcome the overwhelming onslaught of the fanatical force. He heard cries for help during an intense mortar barrage later that night and dashed through a hail of flying shrapnel to give aid. He personally carried the two wounded soldiers back to safety and used his skill and experience as a truly professional soldier to treat their wounds. When rescue helicopters came in, he repeatedly refused extraction for himself and directed that the casualties be evacuated. With bullets striking all around him, he remained in the open to rally his fatigued men through the long night by sharing every phase of the battle with them. His fearless leadership and aggressive, determined actions in the face of grave danger inspired his men to fight furiously throughout the night and obtain a decisive victory over the numerically superior Viet Cong attackers. Lieutenant Colonel Puckett’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. 6075 (November 24, 1967)
  

Purchase, Stephen R.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Stephen R. Purchase, Warrant Officer (WO-1), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 159th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance). Warrant Officer Purchase distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 April 1972. 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, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1199 (June 1, 1972)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George Quamo, 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 Command and Control (North), FOB 3 (Khe Sanh), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Major Quamo distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 February 1968. 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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  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 56 (December 31, 1974)
  

Home Town: Averill Park, New York

Queen, William R.

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William R. Queen, 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 United States Army Training Advisory Group (TF1AE), United States Army Vietnam Training Support Headquarters. Staff Sergeant Queen distinguished himself on 7 August 1971 while serving as a member of a small reconnaissance team operating deep within enemy held territory. On that date, his team came under assault by enemy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and rocket fire. Staff Sergeant Queen began returning a heavy barrage of CAR-15 and hand grenade fire, and directed a steady barrage of 60-mm. mortar fire upon the advancing enemy force, slowing their advance and inflicting heavy losses. During the ensuing battle, his beleaguered team was threatened to be overrun, so Staff Sergeant Queen established communications with friendly air assets. Upon arrival of the air support, he exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire in order to move about the team's perimeter, effectively directing devastating airstrikes 360 degrees around their position. Shortly thereafter, he was seriously wounded by a close impacting enemy mortar round, but despite his wounds continued to place effective CAR-15 and hand grenade fire upon the advancing enemy force. Inspiring team members to become more aggressive, Staff Sergeant Queen successfully led his portion of the team in driving the enemy force back. With the aid of airstrikes, the team was finally able to suppress the heavy enemy fire to sporadic shots. During the extraction, Staff Sergeant Queen remained on the ground and provided the rest of the team with heavy cover fire. His gallant actions were directly responsible for repelling numerous enemy assaults and saving the lives of many of his fellow team members. Staff Sergeant Queen'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.