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) Daniel L. O’Neill, 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, 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant O’Neill distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 May 1969 while serving as platoon leader on a search and destroy mission. His unit was ordered to attack a heavily-fortified hilltop position near the city of Tam Ky. A large open rice paddy lay between his position and the objective. Immediately upon initiating the attack, his platoon was subjected to heavy enemy automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Employing fire and maneuver, he began to move his platoon forward. Realizing that his men were reluctant to move because of the heavy volume of enemy fire, Lieutenant O’Neill began to move up and down the line shouting encouragement. He then took the lead and led his platoon across the rice paddy to the base of the enemy positions. Employing hand grenades and close fighting, his platoon broke through the initial enemy bunkers and continued to ascend the hill. He then realized that his platoon was receiving fire from its flanks and rear as well as from the enemy positions to the front. Temporarily halting his platoon, he directed the destruction of the enemy positions to his flanks and rear with light antitank weapons and hand grenades. He then renewed the assault, called for and redistributed ammunition, and led the final assault to the top of the hill, eliminating the final pockets of enemy resistance. Ordered to withdraw from the hill to reinforce another platoon, he effectively led his men against the insurgents and rescued the besieged elements. Lieutenant O’Neill’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.