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 Sergeant Edward C. Ziobron, 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 Command and Control (Central), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant Ziobron distinguished himself while serving as squad leader of an American-Vietnamese exploitation force operating deep within enemy controlled territory. On the first day of the mission, Sergeant Ziobron’s squad stopped for a security break when he detected enemy soldiers advancing towards their position. Reacting immediately he led his team in an assault against the enemy’s defenses. Although seriously wounded by fragments from an impacting B-40 round, Sergeant Ziobron continued to advance upon the adversary by unleashing a steady concentration of automatic weapons fire. So devastating was his assault that the foe broke contact and fled in confusion. The following day no contact was made and the friendly element departed for a landing zone for medical evacuation of wounded personnel. Upon arrival his patrol again encountered enemy resistance. Firing light anti-tank weapons, Sergeant Ziobron successfully repelled the attackers. Refusing medical extraction, he remained with his team to direct their night defensive positions. The following morning his patrol was attacked by a north Vietnamese force firing B-40 rockets, automatic weapons and small arms. Wounded again, Sergeant Ziobron led his men in an aggressive assault, causing the foe to withdraw. Afterwards, the allied patrol moved toward an extraction site. During their movement they were again attacked by a large hostile force. Wounded in the leg, Sergeant Ziobron crawled forward, tossing hand grenades and firing his weapon upon the foe. Realizing the numerical superiority of the belligerent force, he summoned air support and directed accurate air strikes upon the hostile positions. Then, ignoring his own painful wounds, he led his patrol to an extraction zone where they were rescued the following morning. Because of his determined actions, he averted total annihilation of the allied patrol by the superior enemy force. Sergeant Ziobron’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.