DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
The
Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in
any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself or herself by
extraordinary heroism; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the Unites States; while
engaged in military operations involving conflict with an
opposing/foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces
engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which
the United States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of
heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so
extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades.
The
following 10 individuals (in chronological order) from the 5th Battalion,
60th Infantry were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. An
asterisk (*) indicates posthumous awards:
1LT Lee
B. Alley
Headquarters & Headquarters Company (18 Nov 67)
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES ARMY -VIETNAM
APO San Francisco 96375
GENERAL ORDERS
20 May 1968 NUMBER 2385
AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
1. TC
320. The following AWARD is announced.
ALLEY, LEE B 05233466 FIRST LIEUTENANT ARMOR United States Army,
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Battalion (Mechanized), 60th
Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, APO 96370
Awarded-. Distinguished Service Cross Date action: 18 November 1967
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam First Lieutenant Alley distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 18 November 1967 as leader of a
platoon providing security for a fire support base in Dinh Tuong
Province. In the early morning hours, a Viet Cong battalion directed a
coordinated mortar and ground attack on the platoon's perimeter. The
numerically superior enemy soon closed on the unit's position, and
Lieutenant Alley decided to withdraw to a more defensible location near
the artillery camp which was across a river. Braving savage fire, he
exposed himself to the enemy weapons and directed his men to the stream,
personally pulling a wounded comrade to the bank. Completely
disregarding his safety, he then returned to his original position and
poured murderous fire into the advancing enemy ranks to cover the
movement of his troops. Heedless of a painful wound, he fought furiously
until he ran out of ammunition. After obtaining another weapon and
grenades, he continued his valiant fight until his man reached safety.
He then maneuvered to join them and, after crossing the river, he
sighted four soldiers remaining on the opposite side who were pinned
down by heavy fire. Lieutenant Alley returned through a curtain of
bullets to reach them and lead them back across the river to the new
perimeter. He then directed ravaging air, artillery and gunship strikes
on the insurgents, which forced them to flee the battlefield in
disorder. First Lieutenant Alley'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.
Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the
Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.
1LT Merle J. Sharpe
Alpha Company (7 May 68) DEPARTMENT
OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
GeneralOrders
28 September 1968
Number 4524
AWARD OF
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
1. TC 320. The following AWARD is
announce
SHARPE, MERLE J 05239461
United
States Army, Company A, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th
Infantry Division, APO 96370
Awarded:
Distinguished Service Cross
Date of action: 7 May 1968
Theater:
Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For
extraordinary heroism in connection with military opera?tions involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:
First Lieutenant Sharpe distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 7 May 1968 as the commanding officer of a mechanized infantry
company during an operation in Gia Dinh Province. During the first few
moments of contact with a reinforced Viet Cong battalion located in a
built-up residential area, Lieutenant Sharpe was severely wounded and
his command vehicle destroyed by enemy rocket fire. Refusing evacuation,
he moved to another track, propped himself up in a highly vulnerable
position and continued to direct his company?s maneuvers, supporting
artillery, gunships and air strikes. When the air strikes were completed
Lieutenant Sharpe personally led his unit in a house-to-house assault on
the Viet Cong. Despite the pain of his wounds, he refused medical
evacuation for six hours, until the enemy had been routed from the area.
As a result of his courageous leadership, the enemy lost two hundred and
thirteen dead by body count. First Lieutenant Sharpe?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.
Authority: By direction of the President, under
the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.
*
CPT Edmund B. Scarborough
Charlie Company (10 May 68)
DEPARTMENT
OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
GeneralOrders
16 December 1968
Number 4524
AWARD OF
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
1. TC 320. The following AWARD is
announce
Scarborough, Edmund B OF105268
United
States Army, Company C, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th
Infantry Division, APO 96370
Awarded:
Distinguished Service Cross
Date of action: 10 May 1968
Theater:
Republic of Vietnam
Reason: Captain Edmund B. Scarborough distinguished himself by heroism in action on 10 May 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer, Company C, 5th Battalion (Mechanized), 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, in Gia Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam.
While in contact with an enemy force of battalion strength, Captain Scarborough?s company and another company to his front were halted by a devastating crossfire. Captain Scarborough was ordered to pass through the now- beleaguered lead company and maneuver against the enemy?s flank. He immediately organized his mechanized assault and positioned himself in an extremely exposed location from which he could control the advance. Although the enemy force immediately engaged the advancing element with antitank rockets, small arms, and automatic weapons fire, Captain Scarborough continued to lead his men, direct the fire of all available weapons and maintain the advance. Realizing the psychological value of Captain Scarborough?s exceptional leadership, the enemy began to concentrate all of their firepower at his position. Captain Scarborough continued his utter disregard for his personal safety and remained exposed, directing the consolidation and supporting fires until he was fatally wounded by the concentrated enemy fire. As a direct result of Captain Scarborough?s courage the enemy lost 26 KIA?s, 3 POW?s and 7 weapons which were captured. Captain Scarborough?s professional competence, grim determination and personal example inspired his men to victory and reflect the utmost credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President, under
the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.
SP4 William P. Sackett
Bravo Company (30 Nov 68)
DEPARTMENT
OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
GENERAL
ORDERS
24 June 1969
NUMBER 2219
AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE CROSS
I. TC 320. The following AWARD is
announced.
SACKETT, WILLIAM P US5672287 SPECLIST
FOUR United States Army, Company B, 5th Battalion, 60th
Infantry 9th Infantry Division, APO 36370
Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross
Date of action: 30 November 1968
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in
Connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Sackett
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 November
1968 while serving as a fire team Leader on a combat mission in
Long An Province. When his platoon became stalemated in a fierce
exchange of fire with a hostile force, Specialist Sackett immediately
began moving through the embattled area to direct return fire and
prevent disorganization among the novice members of the platoon. As he
approached one of his positions, an enemy hand grenade landed near four
of his comrades. He instantly scooped up the device, turned his back to
shield his fellow soldiers, and tossed the grenade back to the enemy.
Although the grenade exploded in mid-air wounding him with
fragmentation, he, without hesitation, proceeded to assist the only
other wounded man through the hostile barrage to an evacuation point.
Refusing evacuation himself, he returned to the contact area to assist
his platoon in the prolonged battle. Sergeant Sackett?s extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest tradition
of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit
and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President, under the
provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963
* 1LT
Roger L. Vickers
Charlie Company (5 Jan 69)
DEPARTMENT
OF THIE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
GENERAL ORDERS
30 April 1969 NUMBER 1532
AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
I. TC 320, The following AWARD is
announced posthumously.
VICKERS, ROGER L 05347766 FIRST
LIEUTENANT INFANTRY United States Army, Company C, 5th
Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.
APO 96370
Awarded:
Distinguished Service Cross
Date of action: 25 January 1969
Theater:
Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection
with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Vickers distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 January 1969 while
commanding a company during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in the
Plain of Reeds, Thu Thua Province. As his unit was crossing an
open area, it was engaged by an enemy force occupying well-fortified
bunkers in a nearby woodline. Spotting three wounded men who lay exposed
to the hostile fire, Lieutenant Vickers unhesitatingly advanced through
the bail of bullets to rescue the casualties and succeeded in carrying
them to
the safety of a dike. He then returned to the front of his company
and began directing his troops toward the bunkers. Braving the enemy
fusillade, he moved from position to position with a grenade launcher
and placed accurate fire on the aggressors. After tossing smoke grenades
to mark the hostile strongholds and directing air strikes, Lieutenant
Vickers led an assault on the now disorganized communists. Shortly
before the enemy withdrew, he was mortally wounded by hostile fire.
First Lieutenant Vickers? 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.
Authority: By
Direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress,
approved 26 July 1963
SP4 Michael A. McClean
Charlie Company (6 Feb 69)
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
General Orders
25 August 1969
Number 3512
AWARD OF
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
1) TC 320. The following AWARD is announce
MC CLEAN, MICHAEL A SPECIALIST FOUR
INFANTRY
United
States Army, Company C, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th
Infantry Division, APO 96370
Awarded:
Distinguished Service Cross
Date of action: 6 February 1969
Theater:
Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection
with military opera?tions involving conflict with an armed hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four McClean distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 February 1969 while
serving as a member of an ambush patrol operating in Long An Province.
While established in a night defensive position, his platoon came under
an intense Viet Cong attack. When a rocket-propelled grenade landed in
the command post killing the radio-telephone operator and seriously
wounding the platoon leader and platoon sergeant, Specialist McClean
immediately rushed forward to lay suppressive fire on the enemy and
direct his comrades into effective firing positions. When the squads
were in place, he began maneuvering from position to position assisting
the wounded. He then moved to the damaged command post and assumed
command of the platoon from the wounded leaders. As the battle
progressed, he became aware that one hostile emplacement seemed immune
to the machine gun fire being placed on it. Obtaining an M-72 light
antitank weapon, Specialist McClean advanced through the hail of bullets
well ahead of his squad?s position and eliminated the hostile
fortification. Returning to the command post he found a radio and began
to call in gunships, artillery and supporting medical evacuation
helicopters. After adjusting supporting fire on the enemy positions, he
began to supervise the extraction of casualties. Learning of another
communist machine gun emplacement that escaped the deadly gunship
barrage, Specialist McClean again used a light antitank weapon to
silence the bunker. He then continued to move among his men directing
retaliatory fire until the enemy force was routed. Specialist McClean?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.
Authority: By direction of the President, under
the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.
* 1LT
Patrick M. Dixon
Echo Company (28 May 69)
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
GENERAL ORDERS 23
August 1969 NUMBER 3272
AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously.
DIXON, PATRICK M FIRST LIEUTENANT INFANTRY United States Army,
Company E, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, APO
96371
Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross
Date of action: 28 May 1969
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam: First Lieutenant Dixon distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 28 May 1969 while serving as a platoon
leader during an airmobile operation in Long An Province. As soon as the
element disembarked from the insertion helicopter, it came under intense
enemy crossfire. Without hesitations Lieutenant Dixon directed his men
to return fire, which forced the hostile forces to disperse. In
following the retreating foe, the platoon encountered machine gun fire
from a concealed bunker. Lieutenant Dixon pushed one of his men out of
the direct line of fire and was wounded as a result of his selfless
action. He proceeded to crawl through the heavy barrage toward the
hostile emplacement until he could silence the fortification with a
fragmentation grenade. Though seriously wounded himself, he crawled to
one of his wounded comrades to administer first aid and remove the man
to safety. As he started out to retrieve another injured man, he
succumbed to his fatal wounds. First Lieutenant Dixon' 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.
Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the
Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.
* SP5
David L. Tiffany
Echo Company (28 May 69)
DEPARTMENT
OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
GENERAL ORDERS
23 August 1969 Number 3273
AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
1.
TC 320. The following AWARD
is announced posthumously.
TIFFANY, DAVID L SPECIALIST FIVE
United States Army Company E, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry
Division, APO 96371
Awarded:
Distinguished Service Cross
Theater:
Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Five Tiffany
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 May 1969
as senior medical aid man on an airmobile operation in Long An Province.
Immediately upon being inserted into its area of operation, Specialist
Tiffany?s platoon came into heavy contact with an enemy force. Returning
fire, they forced the enemy forces to disperse. While moving in pursuit
of the fleeing enemy, the platoon again came under intense fire and
suffered casualties in the command element. Specialist Tiffany, who had
been at the rear of the sweep formation, moved to the point of heaviest
contact where his comrades lay exposed to the hail of enemy ordinance.
Although he was pinned down before he could reach the wounded men, he
managed to silence a hostile emplacement long enough to run to the
casualties. He quickly administered aid to the injured men and carried
one casualty to safety. Returning to the center of conflict, he spotted
his wounded platoon leader and immediately moved to his assistance.
While attempting to rescue his comrade, he was mortally wounded.
Specialist
Tiffany?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.
Authority: By
Direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress,
approved 26 July 1963
1LT John O. Benson
Alpha Company (3 Aug 69)
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
General Orders
22 September 1969
Number 3595
AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
1) TC 320. The following AWARD is announce
BENSON, JOHN O
FIRST LIEUTENANT INFANTRY United States Army, Company A,
5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, APO 96371
Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross
Date of action: 3 August 1969
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam: First Lieutenant Benson distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 3 August 1969 while serving as a
platoon leader during an airmobile reconnaissance operation in the Plain
of Reeds. As the members of his element moved through the area, they
came under a devastating barrage of hostile rocket-propelled grenade and
machine gun fire, which wounded two soldiers. Rushing through the
strafing fusillade, Lieutenant Benson reached the two casualties, one of
whom he carried to a sheltered position to receive medical aid. He then
returned for the second injured infantryman. When the wounded had been
cared for, Lieutenant Benson organized his platoon for an assault on the
hostile fortifications and called in artillery and gunships. Despite the
supporting fire, the element remained pinned down by enemy bullets. As
he directed another air strike, the rest of his unit was inserted behind
the enemy in order to affect a sweeping maneuver. When the additional
members of the company also became pinned down, Lieutenant Benson
crawled forward to the communist bunkers. Throwing hand grenades with
precision, he silenced the machine gun emplacement. First Lieutenant
Benson'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.
Authority: By direction of the President, under the
provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.
* SGT
William F. Shaw
Delta Company (6 Aug 70)
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
GENERAL ORDERS
20 November 1970
Number 5110
AWARD OF THE
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
TC 439. The following AWARD is announced,
posthumously.
SHAW,
WILLIAM F Sergeant United States Army, Company D, 5th
Battalion, 60th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, AFO
96371.
Awarded:
Distinguished Service Cross
Date of
action: 6 August 1970
Theater:
Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Shaw distinguished
himself while serving as machine gunner during allied reconnaissance
operations, to Binh Duong Province. As darkness approached on 6 August
1970, Sergeant Shaw manned his machine gun position at the edge of
a bomb crater while the remainder of the company prepared their
positions nearby. Suddenly a friendly observation post, located
approximately twenty meters from the sergeant, was raked by a volley of
enemy fire, wounding one of the observers. Because of the proximity of
his position to the besieged allies, Sergeant Shaw could not provide
effective counter fire without endangering them. Realizing
immediate action was essential the sergeant secured his machine gun and
assaulted the enemy force, firing his weapon as he advanced. Although
wounded by the enemy fire that was now directed almost entirely at him,
he never faltered in his advance and continued firing at the enemy until
he was fatally wounded soon thereafter. Because of his determined
actions, the reminder of the company was able to successfully react to
the enemy force and insure the relative safety of the allied observers.
Sergeant Shaw'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.
Authority: By direction of the President
under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 25 Jul y
1963.
The
above information was provided by Author - Keith Nolan, Historian - Alan
"Shorty" Kisling, Bruce Swander, and Secretary - William "Metz" Metzler.
