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 (Military Police Corps) Hulon C. Allen, Jr. (ASN: 0-5334633), 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 B, 716th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Group, 18th Military Police Brigade. First Lieutenant Allen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 December 1968 while checking security posts at night in the Gia Dinh area of Saigon. As he was traveling by jeep between posts, he was struck on the shoulder by a grenade. Immediately shouting a warning to two other passengers, he attempted to toss the grenade, but was unable to grasp it as it rolled around on the floor of the moving vehicle. Throwing himself on the deadly missile, he shielded his comrades until they escaped. He then jumped from the jeep and managed to dive for cover just as the grenade exploded. First Lieutenant Allen’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.