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 Captain (Infantry) David William Walsh, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Captain Walsh distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 June 1969 while serving as the commander of combat operations near the village of Phuoc Loc in Quang Ngai Province. He was directing his company into a blocking position when a North Vietnamese force armed with machine guns, grenades, and small arms attacked and pinned down the unit. Captain Walsh immediately organized a reaction force to engage the flanking ambush positions. As his small element began to close in, automatic rifle fire burst from a concealed emplacement. Captain Walsh single-handedly charged the position killing the enemy soldier and capturing his weapon. As he led his group forward, he encountered hostile fire and quickly shot the enemy soldier. When a third sniper opened fire on the group, Captain Walsh once more rushed forward to eliminate the hostile trooper. While engaging the third sniper he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Captain Walsh’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.