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 Sergeant First Class Andres Garza, 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, 52d Infantry, Americal Division. Sergeant First Class Garza distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 and 18 April 1969 in the mountainous area northwest of Landing Zone Baldy in Quang Ngai Province. As his company traversed an open valley on 17 April, the enemy launched a devastating attack upon both flanks and the rear of the unit. Sergeant Garza quickly moved to an exposed position and began to lay down suppressive fire on the enemy enabling his company to organize an assault which overran the hostile force. Although wounded in the conflict, he refused medical attention until his comrades were treated. On the following day his unit was again ambushed as they moved through dense vegetation. When the point and second man were wounded in the first volley, Sergeant Garza carried each man through the fusillade to safety. In three additional maneuvers he retrieved weapons and ammunition. During the firefight, he was seriously wounded by shrapnel from impacting mortar rounds, but he refused to be evacuated until the mission was completed. Sergeant First Class Garza’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.