PFC Richard L. Wilson, C/3-7, June 1969.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Richard Lee Wilson, United States 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, 7th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade. Private First Class Wilson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 7 August 1969 during an airmobile operation. He was walking in the lead position for his squad as they cautiously pursued a path into a thick nipa palm growth bordering a river. When the lead elements had barely entered the vegetation, heavy automatic weapons fire erupted to Private Wilson's front. He spotted an enemy bunker through the dense foliage and immediately alerted his squad to its presence. The heavy volume of hostile fire prevented the friendly troops from advancing on the concealed enemy. Realizing the impossibility of employing grenades in the tall nipa palm, Private Wilson charged the hostile bunker, placing effective suppressive fire on the enemy as he ran. He had advanced to within ten feet of the hostile fortification when he was mortally wounded. His aggressive actions had enabled his fellow soldiers to move out of their exposed positions and then rout the enemy. Private First Class Wilson'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.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3649 (September 26, 1969)

Action Date: August 7, 1969

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company C

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade