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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Louis Albert Mari (ASN: 0-98818), 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 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. First Lieutenant Mari distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 9 – 12 March 1966 while serving as Executive Officer, Officer at Camp A Shau, Republic of Vietnam. On 9 March 1966, the camp was attacked by a large Viet Cong force. Without regard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Mari braved the insurgent fire ran 200 Meters to his position where he helped to organize the confused and stunned defenders and hold off the insurgent attack. Later in the day he was to accompany a detail to secure and cover an airstrip for the landing of two aircraft to evacuate a seriously wounded American. Upon returning to the camp, he was faced with the insurgent main attack upon the camp. Lieutenant Mari immediately formed a perimeter and held his position until the insurgents broke into the camp from the rear, forcing Lieutenant Mari and his comrades to take a different position in the camp. Observing a large insurgent horde massing for an attack on the communications bunker, he and another American boldly fought off the attack until the weapon was destroyed and the American was killed. He then led a small force in counterattack which halted the Viet Cong assault and drove them back with heavy casualties. Repeated attacks from the large Viet Cong forces brought about the order for the friendly defenders to withdraw from the camp, at which time Lieutenant Mari destroyed the radios and classified documents and prepared the wounded men for evacuation. He then led his troops through 500 meters of intense fire and fought a delaying action until all the defenders had cleared the camp. Lieutenant Mari continued to evade the Viet Cong and direct evacuation of his men for several days until he was rescued by a helicopter. Lieutenant Mari’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.