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 Specialist Fourth Class Richard Stuart (ASN: RA-16993948), 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, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Stuart distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 August 1968 as a perimeter sentry on top of Nui Ba Den Mountain. His unit came under a heavy mortar and rocket attack, followed by a ground assault. While fighting off a platoon which charged their bunker, Specialist Stuart and his companions held their position until they were wounded by enemy rockets. He immediately gave first aid to two of the men and then went to get a medic despite the fierce automatic weapons and small arms fire. Upon leaving his position he spotted an aggressor who was about to launch a rocket into the bunker, and killed him with a burst from his rifle. After returning with an aidman to his beleaguered position, he continued to engage the communists and was badly wounded in the hand during a subsequent enemy assault. Ignoring his painful injury, he remained at his station throughout the night until the hostile forces had been defeated. Specialist Stuart’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.