Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    1st Special Forces Group (Airborne)

    Division:

    1st Special Forces

    Action Date:

    March 8, 1965

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 5 (February 23, 1966)

    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 Captain (Infantry) Wallace Ernest Viau, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, on 8 March 1965. As a Senior Advisor serving with the United States Army Special Forces at Camp Kannack in the southern area of the Republic of Vietnam, Captain Viau demonstrated fortitude and determination when the Camp was attacked during the night by a fanatical and numerically superior hostile force with a tactical advantage. With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense small arms fire and heavy bombardment by moving from bunker to bunker to insure that they were manned, to aid and encourage the defenders, and to direct the defense operations. At the height of the battle, he bravely and unhesitatingly crossed sixty yards of open terrain under heavy enemy fire to administer first aid to a critically wounded American serviceman. Upon learning that an outpost had fallen he again exposed himself to the Viet Cong gunfire and succeeded in reaching a precarious position in close proximity of the enemy. From this dangerous position, he directed mortar and other weapons fire, disrupting enemy attacks from that direction. He then organized and led a counterattack against stubborn resistance which resulted in the recapturing of the outpost and destroying the enemy who held the position. When the long awaited daylight brought defeat to the enemy, he personally led a combat patrol against the withdrawing Viet Cong which was highly effective in annihilating more of the enemy. Throughout the violent battle that lasted approximately eight hour, he displayed indomitable courage and professional skill which inspired the defenders and contributed to the successful defense of the Camp and to the repelling of the insurgent forces. Captain Viau’s conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.