The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class William David Ray (ASN: RA-18860514), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Ray distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 November 1968 as a medic during a combat air assault in the vicinity of Tay Ninh. As Private Ray’s company landed in knee-high grass in a flat, open area close to an enemy base camp, it came under intense machine gun, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from well-concealed bunkers in a nearby hedgerow. Despite the vicious enemy fire, Private Ray immediately left his covered position and crawled to his comrades who had been wounded. After treating several casualties, he began to call to the injured who were hidden by the tall grass to show their locations by shouting or firing smoke grenades. Although the movement of the grass indicated his position to the communists, he continued to render aid and encouragement, treating four more wounded men. While fearlessly exposing himself to care for his fellow soldiers, he was mortally wounded by the hostile fusillade. Private First Class Ray’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.