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 Specialist Fourth Class John Edward Rarrick, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Rarrick distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 April 1970 while serving with an infantry company airlifted into a dense jungle area in Tay Ninh Province. Soon after insertion, Specialist Rarrick’s company engaged a battalion size enemy force entrenched and concealed in a thick hedgerow. Because of the intense enemy fire and the close proximity of the enemy positions, Specialist Rarrick and other members of his company found themselves immobilized. One of Specialist Rarrick’s comrades noticed his predicament and attempted to come to his aid, but was seriously wounded. Without hesitation, Specialist Rarrick crawled to within fifteen meters of the closest enemy position to treat the wounded man. Specialist Rarrick treated his wounded comrade and then attempted to extract him to a safer position. Increased enemy fire directed toward the two individuals stopped their progress. Specialist Rarrick then maneuvered himself toward the enemy barrage so that he could shield his wounded comrade with his own body. While in this position, Specialist Rarrick was mortally wounded. Specialist Rarrick’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.