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 Specialist Fourth Class David G. Chedester (ASN: US-56985281), 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 and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Chedester distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 April 1968 as a platoon medic on a reconnaissance-in-force mission in War Zone C. Specialist Chedester’s platoon had deployed into a night defensive position when it was subjected to intense enemy mortar fire. Following the mortar bombardment, a massive ground assault on the perimeter was launched by the insurgents. The mortar rounds had caught several personnel in the open and had inflicted several casualties. At the first call for a medic, Specialist Chedester unhesitant ran to the aid of his fallen comrades, ignoring the mortar rounds still exploding all about him. Despite the fact that the wounded were lying in open terrain, he proceeded to treat them where they were. As the ground assault gained momentum, he moved across the battlefield through heavy volumes of machine gun fire to treat and give encouragement to the casualties. He then set up an aid station and organized the activities of his fellow medics. He repeatedly moved into the battle area under intense enemy fire to rescue casualties, carrying them back to the aid station. After the friendly forces regrouped, Specialist Chedester was the only medic to go forward with them on a sweep of the area. As ambulance helicopters arrived, he personally organized and supervised the medical evacuation operations. Specialist Chedester’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.