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 Private First Class Earl C. Haupt, III (ASN: US-52653967), 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 Battery B, 2d Battalion, 77th Artillery, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Private First Class Haupt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 March 1967 while serving as a member of an artillery battery during a massive Viet Cong attack near Suoi Tre. The insurgents had quickly overrun the camp’s security perimeter, and the open ground around the battery was being swept by intense automatic weapons and small arms fire. Private Haupt was wounded in the neck and left eye early in the attack, but tied a handkerchief over the eye and continued to assist in firing the howitzer. When a nearby howitzer was in danger of being overrun and was losing gunners because of wounds, he moved to the position until crews could be reorganized. He spotted an enemy recoilless rifle that was inflicting damage on the camp, grabbing a grenade launcher, he advanced and destroyed the hostile crew. Private Haupt then returned to the howitzer until a direct hit disabled the weapon. Hearing cries for ammunition from men who were protecting the artillery, he made repeated trips to the ammunition storage area. He was hit in the thigh while returning to the perimeter for the fourth time. He stopped only long enough to have a pressure bandage applied and continued to lend assistance where crews were shorthanded. Only after he was sure that the Viet Cong had been routed and that the battery was secure did he allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. Private First Class Haupt’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.