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 Corporal [then Private First Class] Aristides Sosa (ASN: US-52758743), 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 A, 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. Corporal Sosa distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 March 1968. On this date, Corporal Sosa was part of a four-man engineer team accompanying an infantry unit on a reconnaissance-in-force operation in the vicinity of Lai Theiu when the friendly force came under attack from Claymore mines, automatic weapons and small arms fire. Moments after he had reached cover in a ditch, there was a devastating explosion nearby and he was painfully wounded. As one of his comrades crawled to his position to offer assistance, an enemy grenade was detected flying through the air toward Corporal Sosa’s position. As the grenade landed and began rolling toward his comrade, Corporal Sosa rolled on top of the grenade to save the soldier from its blast and was mortally wounded by the exploding grenade. His courageous actions in complete disregard for his own safety were responsible for saving the life of his comrade. Corporal Sosa’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.