The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Robert Edmund Cochran (ASN: RA-18625380), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company D, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Cochran distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 September 1967 while serving as an infantry company squad leader during a search and destroy operation in the Ho Bo Woods. The company’s lead element sighted what appeared to be an enemy emplacement, and Sergeant Cochran and a radio operator advanced to investigate. They suddenly began receiving heavy fire from a well-fortified Viet Cong bunker complex. As Sergeant Cochran returned fire on the insurgents, his comrade, who was ten meters behind him, was seriously wounded by the savage enemy fire. After expending all of his own ammunition, Sergeant Cochran moved through a hail of bullets back to the radio operator, secured the wounded man’s rifle, and returned to his previous position to place devastating fire on the Viet Cong fortifications. Once again he ran out of ammunition and crawled to the rear to rearm himself. Securing a grenade launcher and a pistol, he personally assaulted the nearest enemy bunkers. He killed four insurgents at point blank range and was then wounded by fragments from an enemy grenade. Heedless of his wounds, he continued his fierce attack and shouted for the rest of the company to join him. Sergeant Cochran single-handedly destroyed three Viet Cong bunkers with hand grenades while exposed to the lethal enemy fusillade. With complete disregard for his own safety, he made himself a target for withering insurgent fire to protect his advancing fellow soldiers. His dauntless actions were responsible for an overwhelming victory over the determined Viet Cong. Staff Sergeant Cochran’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.