Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2681 (June 4, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William J. Starr, 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 C, 1st Battalion, 62st Infantry, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry (Mechanized). Captain Starr distinguished himself while commanding a mechanized infantry company during a battalion sized reconnaissance-in-force operation just south of the Demilitarized Zone in northern I Corps Tactical Zone. As the friendly force was sweeping through a valley near the village of Cam Lo, it became engaged in fighting with elements of the 27th North Vietnamese Army Regiment. In the initial movement to contact, the First Platoon of Captain Starr’s company was surrounded by enemy troops and pinned down by a heavy concentration of rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons fire. Captain Starr quickly assembled a reaction force and led it in a rapid counter assault over some hundred meters of terrain swept by grenade and small arms fire. As he attempted to maneuver his relief force on the flank of the enemy’s fortified gun emplacements, Captain Starr and his men were suddenly caught in an ambush of enemy grenades. When one grenade landed in the foxhole in which he and several comrades took cover, Captain Starr immediately scooped up the explosive device and attempted to throw it away, but before he could get the grenade off, the device exploded, severing his hand and part of his arm. Captain Starr’s body absorbed the entire force of the blast, preventing any injury to the men who were with him. Captain Starr’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. 1342 (May 22, 1970)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Noble L. Steeley, 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 A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Steeley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 August 1968 while serving as a helicopter door gunner on a combat mission near Quang Tri. When several attempts to evacuate three wounded soldiers had failed, Specialist Steeley volunteered to go to their assistance. Inserted under heavy fire less than twenty meters from the communists, he ran to the men and found that two were still alive. He placed one of the wounded in the helicopter, but intense hostile fire forced the ship to leave before the other injured man could be brought aboard. Refusing to re-enter the helicopter, Specialist Steeley stayed with the remaining wounded man for an hour and forty-five minutes, while under continuous fire from positions as close as fifteen feet. During this time he directed helicopter gunships to the enemy positions and before a ground unit finally reached him, he had killed six of the aggressors. Specialist Four Steeley'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. 5770 (December 18, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Dennis C. Steffensen, 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, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Steffensen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 February 1968 while serving with an infantry unit conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Tay Ninh. His company was attacked by an estimated Viet Cong battalion firing from well fortified positions. Seeking cover behind a nearby brick wall, Private Steffensen delivered intense suppressive fire on the insurgents while an assault was organized. During two successive assaults on the enemy positions, the Viet Cong inflicted heavy casualties to the friendly troops, causing them to withdraw and regroup. Completely disregarding his own safety, Private Steffensen charged the enemy emplacements a third time, and, despite the rocket and automatic weapons fire directed toward him, he silenced one of the bunkers. He then began carrying the wounded from the battlefield to cover, continually exposing himself to enemy fire. Moments after he had retrieved the last casualty, a rocket struck one of the armored vehicles supporting the operation, and he was wounded by shrapnel from the explosion. Disregarding his painful wounds, he rushed to aid his comrades, pulling them from the damaged vehicle to safety and treating their injuries. Private First Class Steffensen'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. 3184 (July 4, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gregg Francis Steimel, 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, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Steimel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 July 1970 while serving as a machine gunner during combat operations in Tay Ninh Province. As Specialist Steimel's unit advanced through the thick jungle undergrowth, they were contacted by a large well entrenched enemy force firing automatic weapons and command detonated mines. The initial enemy onslaught wounded approximately forty per cent of the allied force and created temporary disorientation. Without hesitation, Specialist Steimel ran into the enemy fire spraying the hostile positions with intense machine gun fire. Although seriously wounded as he advanced, he remained in his forward position and continued his devastating fire to allow his comrades to evacuate the wounded allied soldiers. After the wounded had been evacuated to rear positions, the specialist again ran through the fire swept contact area to retrieve the weapons that the friendly casualties had left behind. As he performed this final action, he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Four Steimel'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. 4864 (October 16, 1970)
  

*Steinberg, George Charles

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to George Charles Steinberg, 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 11 April 1966, First Lieutenant Steinberg, a member of Company C, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, was in command of the 4th Platoon on a search and destroy mission when at approximately 1700 hours a Viet Cong battalion attempted to encircle Company C. The 4th Platoon was ordered to breach the encirclement. The initial break-out met with an impenetrable barrage of machine gun, grenade, and mortar fire which killed the point man instantly, and severely wounded Lieutenant Steinberg in the arm. In the face of very intensive Viet Cong fire, Lieutenant Steinberg ran forward and reclaimed the soldier's weapon and equipment to prevent their falling into the hands of the insurgents. While doing this, he discovered the location of a Viet Cong machine gun. Alone and with complete disregard for his own safety, and defying the withering insurgent fire, he charged the machine gun position and placed accurate fire on the insurgents' position. He annihilated the crew and destroyed the weapon. Lieutenant Steinberg then returned to the perimeter, received hasty first aid for his shattered arm and began reorganizing the defense of his sector. Shortly thereafter, the 4th Platoon was struck by two fanatical Viet Cong assaults, increasing the casualties at an alarming rate. Nevertheless, Lieutenant Steinberg moved from position to position, readjusting his perimeter, encouraging his men, fighting savagely to beat back the waves of insurgents which closed in at point-blank range. Lieutenant Steinberg faced the insurgents with only twelve men, some of these already wounded. When it appeared that they were numerically outnumbered, Lieutenant Steinberg charged straight into the oncoming force, tossing riot control grenades into their midst. The Viet Cong trained their fire on him, striking him again and again. Before he fell, he had thrown six grenades which completely disrupted the Viet Cong's main effort to overwhelm the company. First Lieutenant Steinberg's extraordinary heroism, gallantry in action, and supreme sacrifice 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. 191 (August 18, 1966)
  

*Steiner, Mark Stephen

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Mark Stephen Steiner, Second Lieutenant (Field 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 Company A, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Steiner distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 November 1968 while serving as an artillery forward observer on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Tan Tru, Long An Province. The point element of Lieutenant Steiner's platoon suddenly came under intense automatic weapons fire from a bunker hidden in a woodline, and several men were wounded by the initial volley. Realizing that artillery support might be needed, Lieutenant Steiner moved forward through the withering enemy barrage and discovered that two casualties and the medic who was treating them were completely unprotected. He immediately secured a grenade launcher and began applying suppressive fire while maneuvering towards the aggressors. Inspired by his courage, a machine gun crew joined him as he advanced to within a few feet of the hostile stronghold. Further exposing himself to the communists' fusillade, Lieutenant Steiner attempted to fire his pistol into the bunker and, when the weapon failed to fire, hurled a grenade into the structure's gun port which killed the enemy within. Fire then erupted from a previously undetected bunker located behind him, killing two men. Realizing that his comrades were in grave danger, Lieutenant Steiner turned and opened fire on the second emplacement to enable the others to reach cover. As he fearlessly engaged the enemy, he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. Second Lieutenant Steiner'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. 713 (February 28, 1969)
  

Steinman, Jackie W.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jackie W. Steinman, 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, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Steinman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 May 1969 while serving as team leader during a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Thu Thua in Long An Province. As the members of his unit swept through a defense nipa palm grove, they ran on to a concealed bunker complex and were pinned down by hostile automatic weapons fire only ten meters from the enemy. Specialist Steinman assaulted a machine gun emplacement to his immediate front and eliminated it with hand grenades. Then, showering the fortifications around him with the last of his grenades, he secured the enemy machine gun and returned to his platoon's position. After obtaining more ammunition, he began maneuvering toward a member of his squad who lay isolated behind a hostile position. Slowly crawling to the rear of the nearest bunker, he destroyed the position with a grenade. At that moment he spotted a North Vietnamese soldier approaching the American. Specialist Steinman quickly fired his rifle killing the aggressor and laid an intense barrage of fire to cover his squad member's withdrawal. Noticing one last enemy bunker, Specialist Steinman worked his way to an advantageous position and opened fire. When his weapon jammed, he threw his remaining grenades. As he moved toward his platoon, he encountered a wounded American. Using the casualty's rifle, he provided suppressive fire until an ambulance helicopter arrived to evacuate the wounded soldier. Specialist Four Steinman'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. 3594 (September 22, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Rufus Stephens, 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 17 February 1966, First Lieutenant Stephens was serving as Executive Officer, Company B, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Division (Airmobile), 1st Cavalry Division. He was accompanying the 3d Platoon in screening the high ground to company B's flank. As the main force entered the Song Bien Valley, they were engaged by a Viet Cong force estimated to be a reinforced heavy weapons battalion which forced them to take defensive positions in three large bomb craters in the valley floor. The 3d Platoon in spite of being at a numerical disadvantage, launched an attack at the Viet Cong perimeter trying desperately to help the friendly defenders. As they came to within 100 meters of the company, they came under a heavy barrage of machine gun fire which seriously wounded the platoon leader. Lieutenant Stephens immediately took charge and began regrouping the platoon to prevent their positions from being overrun. Without regard for his own personal safety, he exposed himself to the continuous machine gun fire in order to direct the medical evacuation crafts to his location. After successfully evacuating the wounded, he returned to his platoon and readied his men for an attempt to join the besieged company. The first attempt was unsuccessful. The volume of fire was increasing all the time and caused Company B to lose contact with outside fire support. Noting the problem, Lieutenant Stephens again braved the hostile fire in order to get to a position from which he could better control the oncoming fire support for the friendly defenders. He was wounded in the arm but refused medical attention to that he could continue controlling fire support against the insurgent attackers. Realizing that one of the friendly aircraft was preparing for a bomb-run that would endanger the friendly positions, Lieutenant Stephens once again braved the barrage of insurgent fire and waved off the plane averting certain disaster for the friendly defenders. By increasing the rate of fire, a rifle company was able to air-assault into Lieutenant Stephens' position and by joining forces they were able to make contact with the besieged company. By directing close-in tactical air strikes at the insurgents, the attacks were stopped. Lieutenant Stephens' sustained performance during this period of actual combat was a source of inspiration to the men of the 3d Platoon. First Lieutenant Stephens' 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. 176 (July 29, 1966)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Forestal Alonzo Stevens, Specialist Fifth 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-551, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Specialist Five Stevens distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1968 as the platoon leader of a Mobile Strike Force company which was on a reinforcing mission at Camp Duc Lap. During an assault to drive elements of a North Vietnamese Army battalion from the hilltop camp, his unit came under heavy automatic weapons fire. Specialist Stevens moved to the front of his troops and led a fierce attack on the enemy positions, successfully overrunning them. Finding that a sister company was pinned down by fire from a North Vietnamese bunker, he next single-handedly assaulted the hostile emplacement and destroyed it and its occupants with grenades and rifle fire. Specialist Stevens continued to advance, directing his men's maneuver and helping remove the wounded from the battlefield while under a withering enemy fusillade. When his platoon reached the top of the hill it came under fire from another enemy bunker. Ordering his men to remain in position, Specialist Stevens fearlessly charged the fortification, killing two North Vietnamese inside it and wounding the third occupant. As he regrouped his unit for another assault, he was fatally wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Specialist Five Stevens' 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. 4450 (September 23, 1968)
  

Stevenson, Robert D.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Robert D. Stevenson, 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, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Lieutenant Colonel Stevenson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 March 1967 while commanding the 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry during an engagement with a large enemy force near Phu Ninh. Throughout the afternoon of the battle, he dauntlessly exposed himself to intense ground fire to direct the action from his command and control helicopter. Even after the aircraft sustained several hits, Colonel Stevenson continued to fly at low altitude over the ravaged area to ensure mission accomplishment. When one of his company commanders was killed and the situation rapidly deteriorated, he disregarded the mounting dangers and landed amidst a hail of hostile fire. Colonel Stevenson fearlessly moved about the battlefield, and comforted the casualties and shouted encouragement to the troops. As darkness fell, he consolidated the company perimeter and directed the collection of dead and wounded at a central point. Throughout the night, he commanded the battalion from his forward position and called for supporting fires and illumination devices which enabled the medevac aircraft to extract the wounded. Only when a new company commander was brought in the following morning did Colonel Stevenson leave the battle area. His great presence of mind and courageous example during the entire engagement saved many lives and were an immeasurable inspiration to his men as they repulsed the insurgent attack. Lieutenant Colonel Stevenson'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. 2791 (June 10, 1967)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Harvey E. Stewart, Major (Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. After an attack which took place at approximately 0100 hours, 10 June 1965, the Vietnamese hamlet of Don Xoai was over-run by a Viet Cong force of approximately regimental size and a nearby military compound was being subjected to a heavy barrage of insurgent fire. At approximately 1215 hours, after several attempts to reinforce the besieged compound had failed, plans were initiated to evacuate the several Americans and Vietnamese who were holding the position. Major Stewart volunteered to lead three unarmed rescue helicopters and retrieve the besieged members from their embattled position. Armed helicopter escort was provided to assist Major Stewart's group in their rescue attempt. Upon reaching the battlesite, all evacuation helicopters were subjected to a heavy volume of hostile fire and each received hits from the insurgent barrage. Realizing the fate of the gallant defenders, Major Stewart with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led the other aircraft and maneuvered his helicopter through the thick hail of hostile fire to a perfect landing next to the besieged group within the compound. While on the ground, despite intense hostile fire being directed at them, Major Stewart and his crews set up defensive firing positions and directed the loading of the evacuation aircraft. During the operation, one of the rescue helicopters received direct hits and was badly damaged and grounded. Major Stewart then expertly piloted his heavily overloaded and damaged craft once again through the heavy concentration of insurgent small arms and automatic weapons fire and notwithstanding the murderous barrage, successfully effected the safe evacuation of personnel from the besieged compound. Major Stewart'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. 311 (October 22, 1965)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Samuel R. Stewart, III, 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 Advisory Team 70, 5th Infantry Division Advisory Detachment, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Stewart distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as staff advisor to a Vietnamese regiment during an enemy attack on its headquarters compound at Ben Cat. During the early morning hours, a large Viet Cong force, armed with rockets, mortars, automatic weapons and flamethrowers, unleashed a furious assault on the installation and overran its perimeter bunker line. Captain Stewart went to the immediate defense of the communications bunker and raked the attackers with automatic rifle fire from its firing port. An enemy rocket exploded in the firing port and partially destroyed the position. The weapons of other personnel in the bunker were lost in the debris, but Captain Stewart, although seriously wounded by the blast, immediately began to fire again. When his rifle jammed, he fearlessly raced through a withering hail of hostile fire and acquired additional weapons from the advisory team's quarters. Returning to the position, Captain Stewart placed deadly fire on the insurgents at close range from a sandbag barrier behind the wrecked bunker. A Vietnamese woman and her four children approached his position, and he quickly guided them to safety and then continued firing. Braving an intense barrage of rockets and grenades directed at him, Captain Stewart fought fiercely from his exposed position, killing at least three assaulting Viet Cong and preventing many more enemy from entering the compound. He was rendered unconscious by a critical second wound while gallantly defending fellow soldiers and civilians against a determined enemy force. Captain Stewart'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.