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 Private First Class Lynn J. Gross, 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 A, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Brigade, Americal Division. Private First Class Gross distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 May 1969 while serving as a security guard on a bridge near Duc Pho. During the early morning hours, a North Vietnamese platoon armed with machine guns and grenade launchers penetrated the perimeter around the bridge and destroyed two bunkers with satchel charges. Believing himself to be the only survivor, Private Gross attempted to retake some of the enemy-held positions at the other end of the bridge. Halfway across the bridge he was wounded by a satchel charge and fell in the open, exposed to the hostile barrage. Not being able to move, he used his field radio to call in gun ships to fire on the enemy troops who had taken shelter in nearby bunkers. While calling in fire he kept the North Vietnamese pinned down with his rifle until a rescue team was inserted on the bridge. Private First Class Gross’ 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.