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 Captain (Infantry) Laurence V. McNamara, 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 4th Battalion, 41st Regiment, Advisory Team 22, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain McNamara distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 13 to 17 April 1971 while serving as a Senior Advisor to the 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry Division (ARVN) during combat operations near Fire Support Base 6. As the South Vietnamese battalion neared its objective, they encountered stiff resistance from a large hostile force firing B-40 rockets, mortars, and automatic weapons. Unhesitantly, Captain McNamara exposed himself to the hostile fusillade as he rallied the allied troops and led them in an assault against the enemy fortifications, successfully dislodging the NVA from their first line of bunkers. During the second charge, Captain McNamara was seriously wounded in both legs while he moved through the heavy enemy fire to direct the allied deployment against the hostile positions. Although unable to walk and despite his wounds, hunger, and exhaustion, he avoided detection by the enemy forces for the next five days. Rescue parties were unable to reach him due to four strong NVA battalions surrounding the location. On 17 April, an allied relief force located Captain McNamara and evacuated him to medical facilities. Captain McNamara’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.