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 Specialist Fourth Class Rudolph Sotelo Renteria (ASN: US-5682954), 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, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Specialist Four Renteria distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 August 1968 while serving as a squad leader of an infantry company in the district of Phu Giao, Binh Duong Province. His company attacked a North Vietnamese Army company, and received hand grenade, automatic weapons, small arms and anti-tank rocket fire. One of the grenades landed near him and his men, and Specialist Renteria immediately shouted a warning to them. Although wounded when the grenade exploded, he ignored his injury and continued to fire his rifle and throw hand grenades at the North Vietnamese. Another hostile grenade landed next to a wounded comrade. With complete disregard for his safety, Specialist Renteria attempted to reach it to hurl it away from the stricken man. Before he could accomplish this the grenade detonated, killing him instantly. Specialist Four Renteria’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.