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 (Infantry) Wayne H. Morris (ASN: 0-5334779), 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 A, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). First Lieutenant Morris distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 6 December 1967 as platoon leader of an infantry unit on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Phuoc Loc. Enemy mortars had pounded his base camp the previous night, and he led his men to locate the weapons emplacement. Moving through dense jungle, his platoon was hit by claymore mines, automatic weapons and rocket fire from a well entrenched Viet Cong battalion. The violence of the attach disorganized his men and pinned them down, but Lieutenant Morris, disregarding the intense fire, moved through the ravaging fusillade to rally and reorganize them. After establishing a base of fire, he moved to the front of his troops and led a fierce assault on the hostile fortifications. The overwhelming enemy firepower threw his men back three times, and he was ordered to withdraw and reorganize. Repeatedly braving withering fire, he moved across the battlefield to locate friendly casualties and carry them to safety. After reaching the evacuation site with the wounded, he returned to assure that none of his men were left behind. When reinforcements arrived, Lieutenant Morris led his men through raging enemy fire to attach the determined Viet Cong. With bullets striking all around him, he fought furiously and encouraged and inspired his men to overrun and defeat the enemy forces. First Lieutenant Morris’ 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.