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 Chief Warrant Officer Peter Bradsell, 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 Troop B, 7th Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade. Chief Warrant Officer Peter Bradsell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 31 May 1971 to 5 June 1971. On 31 May 1971, he volunteered to fly a Vietnamese Army doctor to First Support Base Five, Kontum Province, Military Region II, Republic of Vietnam. This base was manned by a unit of the South Vietnamese Army, was surrounded by an estimated regiment of the enemy and had been under siege for seven days. Two previous attempts to re-supply the base and deliver medical support by air had failed and both aircraft were lost. Notwithstanding, Chief Warrant Officer Bradsell, exhibiting exceptional flying proficiency and bravery under fire, skillfully landed his helicopter at the beleaguered fire base amidst impacting mortar and rocket fire. Although he attempted takeoff to extract a seriously wounded soldier, he was unable to fly the aircraft because of power failure. He immediately volunteered to the Vietnamese Army commander of the compound to assist in the fire base’s defense. Subsequently, using his extensive knowledge of aerial weapons employment, he successfully directed air and artillery strikes (some as close as 50 meters) against the enemy. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, he assisted in the care of the wounded and in resisting the enemy attacks. His extraordinary bravery, perseverance and dedication inspired the Vietnamese soldiers and encouraged them to continue the fight in the face of a numerically superior and determined enemy. His valiant efforts helped deny the enemy a significant victory on the battlefield as the siege was lifted on the seventh day. Chief Warrant Officer Bradsell’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.