The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Frank M. Crary, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 7 April 1966, as a senior rifleman for Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in Vietnam. On this day, the battalion reconnaissance platoon while in pursuit of North Vietnamese regulars, encountered a numerically superior enemy force in camouflaged fortified positions. Members of the reconnaissance platoon were pinned down and taking heavy casualties from intense enemy fire, including a crew-served machine gun. Private First Class Crary identified the location of the machine gun and began returning fire, attempting to suppress the advantage of the enemy. Then, on his own initiative, and with total disregard for his own personal safety, he jumped up and ran, maneuvering towards the machine gun position. In doing so, Private First Class Crary exposed himself to counter-fire from nearby North Vietnamese positions, which he methodically engaged and neutralized. Continuing his one-man assault, he flanked the enemy machine gun, attacking and killing the enemy. Private First Class Crary’s valiant actions turned the battle, allowing the remainder of the reconnaissance platoon to neutralize other enemy positions. Private First Class Crary’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.