The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Daniel Ralph Brophy (ASN: US-56705375), 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 Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Brophy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 June 1968 while serving as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner during a visual reconnaissance mission north of An Nhut Tan. His aircraft was being flown at low levels when it was caught in an enemy cross fire which wounded the pilot and caused the ship to crash. Specialist Brophy’s leg was broken upon impact. Despite his great physical pain and the constant enemy fire, he managed to evacuate the helicopter and drag his machine gun into a relatively protected position. He was then joined by the pilot, and they fought their way through the Viet Cong lines until they were forced to take refuge in a bunker. Specialist Brophy and his pilot then battled the determined hostile force until their position was overrun and they were killed. Specialist Fourth Class Brophy’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.