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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Weldon F. Honeycutt (ASN: 0-82399), 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 Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Lieutenant Colonel Honeycutt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 10 to 20 May 1969 while serving as battalion commander of the 3d Battalion, 187th Airborne Infantry. On 10 May Colonel Honeycutt led his battalion into the Northern Ashau Valley as part of Operation APACHE SNOW, a multi-battalion combined operation directed at enemy forces, bases and lines of communication in and adjacent to the valley. The first company on the ground came into immediate contact which was to last for the next ten days. On many occasions Colonel Honeycutt continually exposed himself to hostile fire in order to direct artillery and tactical air strikes, assist in the evacuation of the wounded and offer guidance and encouragement to his troops. On one occasion while engaged in vicious hand-to-hand fighting, Colonel Honeycutt personally killed seven of the enemy. When not on the ground controlling his battalion, Colonel Honeycutt was airborne in his command and control helicopter making low-level passes over the hostile area drawing enemy fire in an effort to locate and mark the North Vietnamese positions for air strikes. After being wounded for the second time in four days, the Assistant Division Commander ordered Colonel Honeycutt to be evacuated for the treatment of his wounds. As soon as he was treated Colonel Honeycutt insisted that he return to the field to command his battalion. This tremendous display of fighting spirit coupled with the complete disregard for his own well being, sent another surge of inspiration to his command as he returned to the battle area. During the entire operation, Colonel Honeycutt was constantly leading his battalion and inspiring his men through his personal courage and fearless actions, resulting in over five hundred North Vietnamese Army regulars killed and the virtual destruction of two enemy battalions. Lieutenant Colonel Honeycutt’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.