Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    12th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 30, 1968

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 84 (January 9, 1969)

    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 Staff Sergeant Cornelius Guy, Jr. (ASN: RA-14809920), 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 C, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Guy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 August 1968 as a platoon sergeant during a helicopter combat assault on Hill 1258 in Kontum Province. When only a small portion of his company had landed, the men were subjected to an intense volume of rocket, mortar and automatic weapons fire from a North Vietnamese Army force in well-entrenched positions. As Sergeant Guy was laying down a base of fire on the enemy soldiers, a hostile rocket impacted near his position seriously wounding him and knocking him unconscious. After regaining consciousness, he moved across the open ground to where his troops were pinned down by a cross fire. Ignoring his painful wounds, he rallied his largely demoralized men and pointed out targets to them while constantly exposing himself to the deadly fusillade. Armed with a grenade launcher, he then attempted to reach the bunkers on the crest of the hill. He was driven back by the devastating fire, but reorganized his men and again crawled into the face of the enemy barrage. As he neared the first fortification he routed its occupants with a gas grenade. Jumping to his feet, Sergeant Guy charged directly at a second position and destroyed it with grenades. His men were inspired by his actions and followed him along the crest of the hill until the entire area was secured. When more helicopters entered the landing zone, he organized the defense and insured that all other casualties were treated before he received medical aid. Staff Sergeant Guy’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.