partment of the Army, General Orders No. 18 (May 29, 1973)

• 
  Department of the Army, General Orders No. 18 (May 29, 1973)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Rudolph L. Whitehead, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 22d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Whitehead distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 July 1967 while serving as platoon leader of a mechanized infantry platoon on a road securing mission between Dau Tieng and Tay Ninh. Shortly after midnight, his unit was savagely hit by an intense mortar barrage followed by a heavy ground attack with enemy forces firing rockets, recoilless rifles, machine guns and rifle grenades. After two of his armored personnel carriers were destroyed in the fierce assault, Lieutenant Whitehead ordered the remaining vehicles to lay down intense fire and cover the movement of his men to defensive positions. He saw the machine gunner on one of his personnel carriers receive a serious wound and immediately dashed into the open and carried the man to safety. With a hail of bullets striking around him, he climbed into the machine gun cupola himself and directed heavy fire on the fanatical insurgents. Shrapnel from a rocket round knocked him from the vehicle, but he ignored his wounds and climbed back to continue his accurate fire. Rocket and recoilless rifle rounds simultaneously struck his position, seriously wounding him and destroying his gun. Realizing the true-strength and determination of the attackers, he ordered his men to withdraw to a more defensible location. Completely disregarding his own safety, he moved among his men under a curtain of fire and rallied them to repel repeated enemy assaults until reinforcing units arrived. First Lieutenant Whitehead'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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 6349 (December 10, 1967)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jack G. Whitted, 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, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Whitted distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 November 1966 while commanding a battalion with a search and destroy mission. Although no Viet Cong activity was reported in his vicinity, Colonel Whitted personally reconnoitered and directed the construction of their defensive night position. He required his men to carry double basic loads of ammunition and thoroughly ringed the camp with mines and trip flares, realizing the possibility of encountering hard core Viet Cong units. Though listening outposts indicated no unusual activity throughout the night, Colonel Whitted called in his observes at sunrise and began to fire mortars in a reconnaissance-by- fire maneuver. Viet Cong forces creeping toward a camp during the night, thought they had been discovered and were forced to begin their attack prematurely. With the hostile positions revealed to him, Colonel Whitted directed an artillery counterattack. Although completely exposed to the increasing fire falling around him, he refused to leave the knoll which gave him a view of the battle area. When a dangerous situation developed in one sector, he personally directed an air strike to his own positions. Although wounded, Colonel Whitted continued, with complete disregard for his personal safety, to man his command post. His thorough and constant briefing of officers and confident direction of the battle resulted in a decisive victory. A very large cache of supplies and ammunitions was confiscated and over 400 Viet Cong were killed, while friendly casualties were light. Lieutenant Colonel Whitted'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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 7018 (1966)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William J. Wickward, 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Platoon Sergeant Wickward distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 November 1966 while serving as platoon sergeant of a reconnaissance platoon on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. While leading his platoon toward a known enemy bunker complex, Sergeant Wickward was notified that a unit on his flank was heavily engaged by a large Viet Cong force. He quickly maneuvered to support the engaged platoon, but his unit came under heavy attack from a well entrenched enemy force. Pinned down by deadly sniper fire which inflicted numerous casualties on the platoon, he exposed himself time after time to return the fire, personally killing seven insurgents. After deploying his men in a perimeter, he moved through the withering fire to reach the wounded outside the perimeter. Completely ignoring his own safety, he moved four casualties to safety under a barrage of automatic weapons and machine gun fire. He continued to expose himself to redistribute ammunition and direct the fires of his men despite the mounting intensity of the attack. When the insurgents were finally defeated, he led his men to reinforce the other platoon and led both to safety. Platoon Sergeant Wickward'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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5114 (October 5, 1967)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Elvin Joseph Wideman, 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 A, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Staff Sergeant Wideman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 November 1966 while serving as a squad leader with elements of the 7th Cavalry on a search and destroy mission near Bong Son. When the lead element became heavily engaged with a Viet Cong force, his platoon moved forward to provide fire support. As the unit maneuvered into position it was suddenly pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from several fortified bunkers to their immediate front. Pinpointing the insurgent positions, Sergeant Wideman directed three of his men to cover him as he dauntlessly crawled forward alone. When he arrived at a point near one bunker, he threw a grenade into it and destroyed the emplacement. With complete disregard for his safety, Sergeant Wideman then ran through the fierce hostile barrage to another emplacement where he killed all the Viet Cong with his rifle. Unmindful of the inherent dangers, Sergeant Wideman courageously advanced toward another bunker a few meters away. As he raised up to toss a grenade, he was mortally wounded by machine gun fire. With the last effort of his strength, he flung the grenade into the emplacement, killing all the insurgents inside. His conspicuous gallantry saved many of his comrades from death or injury and contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the Viet Cong force. Staff Sergeant Wideman'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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 354 (January 25, 1967)
  

Wijas, Rodney J.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 183 (1967)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Eidman Wilcox, 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 Company C, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Wilcox distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 May 1968 while serving with an infantry unit near Binh Het. He was in charge of a listening post located three hundred meters from his company's perimeter. Detecting movement near his station, he immediately radioed the company command post of the imminent danger. Moments later a North Vietnamese Army force launched a fierce ground assault supported by mortars, rockets and heavy machine guns. He called in artillery and hurled grenades in an attempt to halt the attack, which was sweeping directly toward his position. Realizing that he and his men would soon be overrun, he organized a withdrawal and covered his troops' exit, killing several communists at a distance of ten meters. He remained at the rear of his element, exposed to intense fire, until it was within twenty-five meters of his company's perimeter. There the aggressors began to flank his men, threatening to cut them off. Completely disregarding his safety, Specialist Wilcox stood facing the enemy, firing his rifle and throwing grenades so his comrades could cross the perimeter. As he single-handedly braved the onslaught of the North Vietnamese forces, he was mortally wounded by their murderous fire. Specialist Four Wilcox'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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5332 (November 17, 1968)
  

*Wilderspin, Vernon Charles

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Vernon Charles Wilderspin, 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 Troop B, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Wilderspin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as medical aidman for an armor platoon on a combat mission near Tan Son Nhut Air Base. His unit was moving to engage a combined Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army force which had attacked the air base. It was suddenly subjected to intense automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket fire from the numerically superior enemy. Specialist Wilderspin unhesitantly leaped from his armored personnel carrier to administer first aid to wounded comrades. Exposing himself to a devastating curtain of hostile fire, he gallantly moved throughout the raging battlefield to conduct his lifesaving mission. After aiding many casualties, including his seriously wounded platoon leader, Specialist Wilderspin saw his platoon sergeant lying helplessly wounded in an open area. With a hail of enemy bullets striking all around him, he fearlessly raced to the side of his smitten comrade and performed skillful emergency medical treatment which saved the man's life. Just as he had finished tending the platoon sergeant's wounds, Specialist Wilderspin was hit by the withering hostile fire and instantly killed. Specialist Four Wildersin'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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1841 (April 20, 1968)
  

Wilhelm, Jerald W.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jerald W. Wilhelm, 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, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Sergeant Wilhelm distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 March 1967 while serving as team leader of an infantry unit occupying a fire support base camp deep in hostile territory. During the early morning hours the base camp was attacked by a large Viet Cong force firing mortars, automatic weapons and recoilless rifles. The position occupied by Sergeant Wilhelm and one other man came under heavy attack immediately because of its vital importance in the defense. When his comrade was mortally wounded early in the battle, he continued to defend the position alone with deadly accurate fire to repel the mass assaults. At one point, he allowed a group of Viet Cong to advance close to his position before firing his only Claymore mine causing ten hostile casualties. After his unit withdrew to a more secure position, he took over a machine gun and directed extremely accurate fire on the enemy although he had little experience with the weapon. His courageous actions were instrumental in the defeat of the numerically superior insurgent force. Sergeant Wilhelm'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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4488 (September 2, 1967)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Felix E. Williams, 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 E, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Williams distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 and 4 March 1969 during a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Kontum City in the Central Highlands. Lieutenant Williams was leading his platoon up a ridge when they encountered a small number of North Vietnamese troops. He and his men quickly subdued the enemy elements, but before they could move on, they were taken under fire by a battalion-size enemy force occupying bunker fortifications. Lieutenant Williams quickly deployed his men and directed their return fire while awaiting reinforcements. Locating the bunker from which the heaviest suppressive fire was coming, he crawled through open terrain under intense fire, carefully advanced to within feet of the hostile emplacement, and blasted its defenders with grenades. Minutes later, he again edged his way to another bunker and destroyed its occupants with a hand grenade. Lieutenant Williams then made his way back to the company's main force and there learned that the company commander and other officers had been killed. With this news, he quickly regrouped the company's remaining elements and set up a second defense line. Shortly after, the enemy assaulted in great numbers. Lieutenant Williams was wounded by grenade fragmentation in the onslaught, but he drew the company's remnants into a tight defensive perimeter and then coordinated artillery and air strikes on hostile positions only meters from his own. In the morning, he dispatched a patrol to recover those left dead and wounded on the ridge in the previous day's fighting, but meeting with fierce resistance, the patrol was forced to pull back almost immediately. Again the adversary assaulted, rushing the exhausted Americans under barrages of mortar fire. Fearing imminent loss of all his men, Lieutenant Williams radioed for helicopter extraction and then led his tattered troops to the arranged landing zone and safety. First Lieutenant Williams' 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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4140 (November 13, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harold David Williams, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 75th Infantry (Ranger), 173d Airborne Brigade. Staff Sergeant Williams distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 August 1969. 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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4389 (1969)
  

Williams, Jack L.

(First Award)

Synopsis:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jack L. Williams, 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 Detachment A-341, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Williams distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 January 1967. 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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3740 (July 22, 1967)
  

Williams, Jack L.

(Second Award)

Synopsis:

The Distinguished Service Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) is presented to Jack L. Williams, Master 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-341, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Williams distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 March 1967. 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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1624 (April 10, 1968)
  

*Williams, Lester, Jr.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Lester Williams, 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 Battery C, 8th Battalion, 6th Artillery, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Williams distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 November 1968 while serving as cannoneer. His unit's night position, located west of An Loc, was fiercely attacked by a North Vietnamese Army force. Following an initial barrage of mortar and rocket-propelled grenade rounds, the aggressors launched a ground attack which brought them deep within the defensive perimeter. Exposing himself to the fusillade, Specialist Williams ran to his bunker and fired his machine gun with deadly accuracy into the advancing North Vietnamese soldiers. Suddenly an enemy grenade landed in the bunker. He immediately threw himself upon it to save the lives of his comrades and was killed by the explosion. Specialist Four Williams' 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.

• 
  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5902 (December 30, 1968)
  

Williams, Michael J.