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 Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Sidney Stewart Haszard (ASN: 0-60457), 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 Headquarters, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Haszard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 and 20 March 1967 while serving as commanding officer of an Armored Cavalry unit during a massive Viet Cong attack on a fire support base six kilometers from the base camp at Ap Bau Bang. When he learned of the hostile attack, Colonel Haszard decided that he could best supervise defensive actions from the battlefield itself and started toward the conflict with medics in two armored cavalry assault vehicles. The vehicles were ambushed on the highway soon after they left their base camp. Colonel Haszard immediately manned a machine gun on his vehicle and ordered his driver to proceed as fast as possible. His effective return fire prevented the insurgents from doing any damage to the vehicles and enabled the small command force to continue toward the battle at high speed. As he entered the perimeter of the friendly force, he found the area infested with Viet Cong who were assaulting the unit. Again manning a machine gun, Colonel Haszard directed the two vehicles into the midst of the battle. Two anti-tank rounds hit his vehicle, and wounded him. He remained undaunted, steadily firing his machine gun while the other vehicle hooked up tow cables and pulled the disabled carrier into the perimeter. He then went from one armored vehicle to another through the storm of hostile fire ravaging the area to encourage his outnumbered troops and to direct their fire at the enemy. His fearlessness and unshakable calm were a source of inspiration for his men as they seized control and repulsed the Viet Cong after six hours of battle. Lieutenant Colonel Haszard’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.