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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Jack Garrett Whitted (ASN: 0-64583), 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 as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Whitted distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 November 1966 while commanding his battalion on a search and destroy mission. Although no Viet Cong activity was reported in his vicinity, Colonel Whitted personally reconnoitered and directed the construction of their defensive night position. He required his men to carry double basic loads of ammunition and thoroughly ringed the camp with mines and trip flares, realizing the possibility of encountering hard core Viet Cong units. Though listening outposts indicated no unusual activity throughout the night, Colonel Whitted called in his observes at sunrise and began to fire mortars in a reconnaissance-by-fire maneuver. Viet Cong forces creeping toward a camp during the night, thought they had been discovered and were forced to begin their attack prematurely. With the hostile positions revealed to him, Colonel Whitted directed an artillery counterattack. Although completely exposed to the increasing fire falling around him, he refused to leave the knoll which gave him a view of the battle area. When a dangerous situation developed in one sector, he personally directed an air strike to his own positions. Although wounded, Colonel Whitted continued, with complete disregard for his personal safety, to man his command post. His thorough and constant briefing of officers and confident direction of the battle resulted in a decisive victory. A very large cache of supplies and ammunitions was confiscated and over 400 Viet Cong were killed, while friendly casualties were light. Lieutenant Colonel Whitted’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.