Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner
Download 2.59 Mb.
|
|
Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Craig H. Boice, 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, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Captain Boice distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 February 1968 during a reconnaissance-in-force operation three kilometers southwest of Can Tho in Phong Dinh Province. When elements of his company came under a ground attack, Captain Boice dashed forward through the bullet-swept area to a dikeline. Despite a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire cracking above his head and splattering a few feet to his front, he exposed himself to hurl grenades at the communist positions, silencing one automatic weapon and killing five Viet Cong. Crawling forward to a vantage point, he then directed gun ship attacks on an enemy rocket position only twenty-five meters to his front, successfully destroying the weapon. During a second assault by the communists, he shot four Viet Cong as they rushed his position. Then directing artillery fire to within fifty meters of his forward and flank positions, he repulsed the attack and nine more aggressors were killed. After a third assault had been repelled as darkness approached, Captain Boice requested an ambulance helicopter. When the ship landed it came under a deadly hail of small arms fire. Realizing that the craft would be forced to take off immediately, he picked up the most seriously wounded man and, crossing through the hostile fusillade, placed him aboard. Once he had moved the remaining casualties back within the perimeter to await evacuation in daylight, he continued to direct artillery fire until the Viet Cong withdrew. Captain Boice'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.
Bolin, Harold E. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harold E. Bolin, 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 5th Infantry Division Advisory Detachment, Advisory Team 70, United States Army Advisory Group, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Bolin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 November 1967 as senior advisor and commander of the Vietnamese units defending the Bo Duc District Headquarters during an enemy attack. In the early morning hours, a Viet Cong regiment unleashed a savage mortar and rocket barrage on the Bo Duc compounds, coupled with a simultaneous ground assault. Captain Bolin unhesitantly left the safety of his command bunker and raced through a withering hail of bullets and shrapnel to an exposed perimeter bunker. Realizing that the insurgents greatly outnumbered his troop, he quickly called for artillery support, helicopter gunship fires and tactical air strikes. Heavy enemy machine gun fire raked his position, and several rockets exploded against his bunker. Heedless of the intense fusillade, Captain Bolin relayed artillery adjustments to the guns and directed devastating fighter aircraft bombing runs. The determined attackers broke through the headquarters' southern compound in a particularly fierce charge. Captain Bolin fearlessly exposed himself to deadly enemy automatic weapons fire to cover his troops' withdrawal to the adjoining north compound. A Viet Cong light machine gun squad isolated him from his comrades as he maneuvered to join them, so he crawled to within ten meters of the hostile soldiers and destroyed them and their emplacement with a hand grenade. Assuring himself that all his troops had reached safety, he called napalm and bomb strikes on the insurgents as they hotly pursued their temporary gains. Despite the heavy defensive fires, the fanatical Viet Cong unleashed three more massive ground assaults. Captain Bolin successfully directed the garrison's repulsion of these attempts and then led a fierce counterattack, inspiring his troops to rout the remaining Viet Cong. His gallant leadership in close combat turned a probable defeat into brilliant victory over a numerically superior force. Captain Bolin'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.
Borck, Keith R. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Keith R. Borck, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Keith R. Borck, while a member of the 93d Transportation Company, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving an opposing force in the Republic of Vietnam, on 2 January 1963. As an Aircraft Commander, Chief Warrant Officer Borck demonstrated professional skill, decisive leadership, and fortitude on his fourth mission into an assault zone in support of a military operation conducted by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam in defense of their homeland. When his aircraft was struck by automatic weapons fire, inflicting major damage to the aircraft and wounding the co-pilot, he evacuated the crew to a rescue helicopter. As the helicopter attempted to take off, it too was damaged by intense automatic weapons fire which wounded all of the crew members. Chief Warrant Officer Borck voluntarily and bravely exposed himself to the automatic weapons fire while evacuating both crews, placing them in a defilade position, and administering first aid to his wounded comrades. Then, as a second rescue helicopter returned to effect the rescue, it was struck by recoilless rifle fire and crashed. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Chief Warrant Officer Borck dashed through intense weapons fire, reached the downed aircraft and, while exposed to the onslaught, tore out Plexiglas panels and extricated the crew. For 3 hours they lay in a wet, muddy rice paddy under constant sniper fire. When hostile strafing prevented a third aircraft from effecting the rescue, he led the men to a more protected area and organized a perimeter defense until an aircraft finally succeeded in effecting their evacuation. Chief Warrant Officer Borck's conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Boris, Timothy D. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Timothy D. Boris, 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 D, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Boris distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 April 1968 as medical aidman of an infantry company during a search and destroy mission. The company came under sudden, intense automatic weapons and mortar fire resulting in several casualties being trapped in the open. Abandoning the relative safety of his position, Specialist Boris rushed to aid one of his fallen comrades. He was wounded in the leg, but managed to move the injured soldier to safety and administer first aid. He again moved through a hail of bullets into the open to rescue another casualty, and he was wounded a second time as he carried the man to safety. Specialist Boris attempted a third rescue. As he crawled toward the injured man, he received a third wound which completely immobilized him and caused him to be evacuated. Specialist Four Boris' 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.
*Borja, Domingo R. S. (MIA) Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Domingo R. S. Borja, 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, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Borja distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 February 1967 while serving as Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese reconnaissance team. Sergeant Borja was leading his patrol towards a much used trail when voices in a North Vietnamese dialect were heard. As he and another man moved forward to investigate, he received a burst of machine gun fire. Reacting instantaneously, but calmly, Sergeant Borja fired and killed three of the enemy. As the other man moved forward to capture the enemy weapons, he was hit in the chest by another burst of fire. Sergeant Borja again fired, killed the attackers, and ran out to drag the man back to safety. Disregarding his exposure to fire from an estimated company of insurgents, he brought the man back to the unit, then led them out of the area. As they moved, the casualty and several other men became separated from the main force. Again ignoring the danger, Sergeant Borja returned to unite the straggling element with the leaders. Just as he located the small group, he saw an insurgent about to fire on them. The two men saw each other simultaneously and fired, killing each other instantly. Sergeant Borja's selfless actions prevented his team from suffering heavy casualties and enabled it to complete its mission. Sergeant First Class Borja'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.
Born: 2/1/1931 at Cabatuan Iloilo, Philippine Islands Home Town: San Francisco, California *Borowski, John C.
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John C. Borowski, 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, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Private First Class Borowski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 July 1967 while serving as platoon machine gunner during a large scale search and destroy mission near Dak To. As Private Borowski's platoon investigated a recently traveled trail, it received intense fire from a well entrenched Viet Cong battalion. Firing rifles, automatic weapons and mortars from concealed bunkers, the insurgents were able to inflict numerous casualties on the friendly force. Private Borowski disregarded his own safety in this storm of fire and maneuvered to within 20 meters of the enemy's right flank machine gun position. When his own machine gun was damaged by an insurgent's fire, he continued to engage the hostile gunners using only his pistol. He received a shrapnel wound but never eased his force of attack. Later, despite enemy fire sweeping the area, Private Borowski crawled to a nearby friendly position. He refused medical treatment, grabbed a rifle and grenade launcher, and once again advanced on the Viet Cong. He was mortally wounded while firing with devastating effect into the enemy's bunkers. Private First Class Borowski'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.
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois *Bosworth, Richard Lee Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard Lee Bosworth, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 16 February 1968 while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 22d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, elements of Company A were conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation in the vicinity of Tay Ninh. As the lead platoon moved into the outskirts of the city and approached a brick wall, it came under attack by antitank rockets, rifle grenades, automatic weapons and small arms fire from an estimated battalion of Viet Cong concealed in well-fortified bunkers. As Specialist Bosworth was positioning his armored personnel carrier for an assault on the enemy positions, the vehicle was struck and disabled by an antitank rocket and he was severely wounded. Completely disregarding his own painful wounds, Specialist Bosworth assisted in the evacuation of the other casualties. Moving through a heavy volume of enemy fire, he climbed aboard another armored vehicle and was positioning it for an attack on the Viet Cong when a grenade exploded on top of the vehicle, wounding him a second time and knocking him from the vehicle. Undaunted by the pain of his wounds and ignoring the fierce fighting raging around him, he obtained a rifle and charged the enemy bunkers alone. After wiping out an enemy rocket position, he charged toward another enemy bunker. While completely exposed to the enemy bullets, he was mortally wounded by a burst of fire from an enemy machine gun. His personal bravery and determination were responsible for saving the lives of many of his comrades. Specialist Bosworth's conspicuous gallantry was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Home Town: Marengo, Ohio Bott, Russell P. Synopsis: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Russell P. Bott, 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 B-52, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during the period 29 November 1966 to 1 December 1966. Sergeant Bott'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.
Bouchard, Thomas D. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Thomas D. Bouchard, 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, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Bouchard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 December 1967 while serving as a rifleman during combat operations near the village of Dai Dong. Upon hearing that his former company was involved in a fierce firefight with a battalion of North Vietnamese. Private Bouchard left the security of the headquarters area where he was assigned as a cook, boarded a helicopter and flew to the battle site. He joined the unit as it began an assault on heavily fortified enemy positions. In the first minutes of the attack, one of the company’s armored personnel carriers was hit and the entire crew was wounded. Private Bouchard fearlessly raced twenty meters through an intense hail of bullets to the stricken vehicle. Still exposed to withering enemy fire, he placed all casualties in the area aboard the armored personnel carrier, mounted the vehicle, and took the controls. He then drove the vehicle to safety, plowing through the North Vietnamese machine gun bunker and killing its occupants as he went. A second assault was unleashed, and Private Bouchard braved savage hostile fire to personally charge several fortified enemy bunkers and destroy them with rifle fire and hand grenades. While assaulting one of the emplacements, he came face to face with three North Vietnamese and killed them at point blank range with bursts from his weapon. His dauntless courage in close combat accounted for twenty enemy dead and inspired his fellow soldiers to achieve and overwhelming victory. Private First Class Bouchard’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.
Bowers, Charles Joseph, Jr. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles Joseph Bowers, 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. Captain Bowers distinguished himself while serving as Senior Advisor to the 1st Battalion, 42d Regiment, 22d Division (ARVN). While on an operation in Kontum Province, the battalion engaged a numerically superior enemy force. During the contact, Captain Bowers exposed himself several times to withering enemy fire and directed supporting helicopter gunships and jets in order to inflict casualties on the enemy. After 20 hours of continuous assaults, the enemy broke through the outer perimeter and attacked the battalion headquarters. Captain Bowers rallied personnel in the area and led two successful efforts to repel the enemy. Realizing that the position would soon be overrun, he made plans with the battalion commander for an attempted breakout. He and approximately twenty others succeeded in breaking contact and moved into the enemy-infested triple-canopy jungle. During the day, his group made contact with hostile forces, and several men were wounded. That night, after breaking contact, Captain Bowers contacted a medevac helicopter and directed it through the darkness to pick up three of the wounded. Despite small arms fire directed at the aircraft, he exposed his position to direct the aircraft to the landing site. As the evacuation was completed, hostile forces again attacked the group. Captain Bowers gathered his group, successfully broke contact and led the remaining personnel to a safer position. After three days of evading the enemy, the group encountered friendly forces and were evacuated. Captain Bowers' 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.
Bowlin, Calvin J. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Calvin J. Bowlin, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 July 1964. As an enlisted advisor to a battalion of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam, Sergeant Bowlin demonstrated professional skill, determination, and fortitude while accompanying the friendly units on a military mission. When the Vietnamese battalion was suddenly ambushed by two hostile battalions, killing the Senior American advisor, Sergeant Bowlin immediately assumed full responsibility for the situation. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he moved through open terrain under heavy enemy fire to reorganize the dispersed Vietnamese units, to establish a perimeter defense, and to rally the troops into a counterattack. Despite the intense gun fire, he then succeeded in retrieving the battalion's radio from a rice paddy, cleaned it, and put it into operating condition. Again exposing himself to the onslaught of gun fire, he directed air strikes against the hostile forces to within 25 meters of his position. His bravery, perseverance, and courageous actions encouraged the friendly forces to retaliate and prevented the annihilation of the battalion. Sergeant Bowlin's conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
*Bowman, David Winslow Synopsis: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to David Winslow Bowman, 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 as Assistant Advisor to the 44th Ranger Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, on 6 April 1965. First Lieutenant Bowman'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.
Home Town: Gloucester, Massachusetts *Bowman, Joseph B. Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Joseph B. Bowman, 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, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade (Light). Second Lieutenant Bowman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 February 1968 as an infantry platoon leader during a combat mission near Da Nang. A Marine platoon had become engaged by enemy forces operating from a nearby village, and Lieutenant Bowman led his troops to reinforce the beleaguered unit. As his element approached the village across a large open rice paddy, a North Vietnamese Army battalion sprang a savage ambush on it from entrenched and concealed positions in a tree line and, at the same time, pounded it with a withering barrage of mortar, rocket and automatic weapons fire from the village. The devastating fusillade wounded Lieutenant Bowman and many of his men. Disregarding his wounds and safety, he fearlessly moved among his troops and directed them to defensive positions behind a paddy dike. He then began to evacuate the casualties, and the insurgents unleashed a series of fanatic human wave assaults on his perimeter. Bullets struck all around him as he moved from position to position and inspired his men to repel the determined attacks. The enemy finally overran his lines despite the heroic defense, and Lieutenant Bowman led his men in fierce hand-to-hand battle that inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his troops in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force. Second Lieutenant Bowman'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.
|