The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant William Ray Queen, 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 United States Army Training Advisory Group (TF1AE), United States Army Vietnam Training Support Headquarters. Staff Sergeant Queen distinguished himself on 7 August 1971 while serving as a member of a small reconnaissance team operating deep within enemy-held territory. On that date, his team came under assault by enemy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and rocket fire. Staff Sergeant Queen began returning a heavy barrage of CAR-15 and hand grenade fire, and directed a steady barrage of 60-mm. mortar fire upon the advancing enemy force, slowing their advance and inflicting heavy losses. During the ensuing battle, his beleaguered team was threatened to be overrun, so Staff Sergeant Queen established communications with friendly air assets. Upon arrival of the air support, he exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire in order to move about the team’s perimeter, effectively directing devastating airstrikes 360 degrees around their position. Shortly thereafter, he was seriously wounded by a close impacting enemy mortar round, but despite his wounds continued to place effective CAR-15 and hand grenade fire upon the advancing enemy force. Inspiring team members to become more aggressive, Staff Sergeant Queen successfully led his portion of the team in driving the enemy force back. With the aid of airstrikes, the team was finally able to suppress the heavy enemy fire to sporadic shots. During the extraction, Staff Sergeant Queen remained on the ground and provided the rest of the team with heavy cover fire. His gallant actions were directly responsible for repelling numerous enemy assaults and saving the lives of many of his fellow team members. Staff Sergeant Queen’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.