Criteria The Distinguished Service Cross may awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor. T... The Distinguished Service Cross may awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor. This extraordinary heroism must take place while the individual is engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; or while he is engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while he is serving with friendly foreign forces that are 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 be so notable and involve risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his comrades. MoreHide
Comments Department of the Army, General Orders No. 50 (September 26, 1968)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Steven Cole Dr... Department of the Army, General Orders No. 50 (September 26, 1968)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Steven Cole Drake (0-5334054), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while leading the 3d Platoon, Company C, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry, against a vastly superior enemy force near Hiep Duc, Republic of Vietnam, on 5 and 6 January 1968. On the morning of 5 January 1968, his platoon became engaged in heavy combat with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Lieutenant Drake immediately organized a five-man fire team and courageously maneuvered this element into a supporting position near an enemy fortification. With complete and utter disregard for his own life, he left the cover of the base of fire, fearlessly charged the enemy fortified bunker, and destroyed an enemy machine gun and its crew. This daring action enabled his company to drive off the enemy. Late in the evening of the same day, the enemy launched a savage attack with overwhelming force. The first round fired by the enemy seriously wounded the company commander, who was evacuated immediately. Lieutenant Drake assumed command and inspired his men to repel the enemy's attack. The enemy, positioned on three sides of the company, began a murderous crossfire. Although disaster seemed imminent, Lieutenant Drake calmly and adeptly led his men through the withering fire to more defensible terrain. Realizing that his company was becoming dispersed, Lieutenant Drake courageously exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to consolidate his company. At this time he was severely wounded; nevertheless, he valiantly continued to move through the bullet-swept area and succeeded in re- establishing the company defensive perimeter. He organized and directed his company in repelling four human wave assaults on his position. Fearlessly he exposed himself to fire time and time again to direct the fire of his men. In order that gunships and artillery could locate his perimeter, Lieutenant Drake shot hand flares 10 feet in front of his position. At 0100 hours on the following morning, the infuriated enemy launched another savage mortar attack and again seriously wounded Lieutenant Drake. Unable to move from his position, he continued his relentless efforts to halt the enemy horde. In spite of the heroic defense of the perimeter, the overwhelming strength of the enemy permitted a few insurgents to maneuver within hand grenade range. A volley of hand grenades was thrown into the company's position. Thinking only of the safety of his men, Lieutenant Drake lunged for the threatening grenade and attempted to throw it out. The resultant explosion mortally wounded Lieutenant Drake. His heroic action saved the lives of all others in the area. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, Lieutenant Drake prevented additional casualties and inspired his men to successfully engage and repel the enemy. Lieutenant Drake's conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism are in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country. MoreHide
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions,This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam swung back toward Saigon to conduct another clearing operation, MANHATTAN. This took peace in the Long Nguyen base area just north of the previously cleared "Iron Triangle."
South Vietnamese Armed Forces became more active and capable under U.S. advisors. During the year the Vietnamese Special Forces assumed responsibility for several Special Forces camps and for the CIDG companies manning them. In each case all of the U.S. advisors withdrew, leaving the Vietnamese in full command.
With an increased delegation of responsibility to them, the South Vietnamese conducted major operations during 1967, and, in spite of VC attempts to avoid battle, achieved a number of contacts.
Despite the success of U.S. and South Vietnamese Army operations, there were indications in the fall of 1967 of another enemy build-up, particularly in areas close to Laos and Cambodia. In late October, the VC struck again at the Special Forces Camp at Loc Ninh. Fortunately Vietnamese reinforcements saved the camp. At the same time, approximately 12,000 VC troops converged on a Special Forces camp at Dak To. This camp was located in northern Kontum Province, where the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam meet. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. and South Vietnam committed a total of sixteen battalions to the region to counter a disturbing enemy resurgence at Kontum and Loc Ninh.... More
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
