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 Frank J. Walker (ASN: RA-17346715), 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 B, 299th Engineer Battalion, 937th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade. Staff Sergeant Walker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 November 1967 while serving with an engineer platoon on a bridge repair mission in Kontum Province. Sergeant Walker’s convoy was moving along the highway toward the damaged bridge when a large Viet Cong force released a savage ambush which destroyed his vehicle. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he leaped from the wrecked truck into a hail of bullets and charged an enemy machine gun which was placing devastating fire on his men. Unleashing a fierce rifle fire and grenade barrage on the attackers, he succeeded in silencing the gun and enabled part of the convoy to move out of the killing zone. When the machine gun began firing again, he fearlessly charged the position and silenced the gunners once more with hand grenades. This action enabled a fellow sergeant to direct the remaining vehicles to safety. Continually risking his life in the face of brutal enemy fire, he returned alone to his damaged vehicle to resupply himself with ammunition. Once again, machine gun fire struck all around him. Despite exploding grenades and the ravaging barrage, he personally assaulted the hostile position for the third time and permanently destroyed it with intense fire. His gallant actions in the face of overwhelming odds were responsible for saving numerous lives and disrupting the force of the Viet Cong attack. Staff Sergeant Walker’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.