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 David Raphael Kasun, 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 D, 3d Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Sergeant Kasun distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 and 8 October 1968 while serving as a squad leader during combat operations in the Trung Lap area. Sergeant Kasun’s squad was advancing through the dense jungle undergrowth in the area when they were engaged by a large enemy force firing small arms and automatic weapons from well-concealed fighting positions. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, the sergeant led his men in an aggressive assault toward the positions. As they neared the hostile position, an enemy hand grenade landed beside Sergeant Kasun. Reacting immediately, he grabbed the grenade and tossed it back toward the enemy. However, the grenade detonated a few feet in front of the sergeant and inflicted serious wounds to his head and shoulders. Undaunted, Sergeant Kasun immediately assaulted a nearby enemy bunker and destroyed it with well-aimed automatic weapons fire and hand grenades. Refusing to be evacuated, the sergeant continued to assist his squad in their defensive maneuvers. During the ensuing battle, he moved forward of the perimeter to secure an allied radio that had been abandoned during a previous engagement. During this maneuver, Sergeant Kasun engaged and eliminated an enemy soldier in hand-to-hand combat. Then, returning to his company’s position, he prepared his men for an aggressive enemy ground attack. During this assault, the sergeant continuously moved from one position to another to direct the fire of his men and pinpoint enemy targets. Sergeant Kasun’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.