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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Gary Vene Rasser (ASN: 0-5334611), 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 Company B, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Rasser distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 July 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an infantry company on a reinforcing mission deep in hostile territory. While moving through dense jungle to relieve a beleaguered friendly unit, his company was savagely attacked by an estimated North Vietnamese regiment. Completely disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Rasser exposed himself to withering hostile fire to deploy his platoon and provide security for the rest of the company. The enemy directed a hail of mortar, rocket and recoilless rifle fire against his positions killing the company commander and inflicting numerous casualties on his men, but he immediately took command and moved into the open to direct air and artillery strikes on the furious hostile onslaught. Fighting fiercely, he directed deadly rifle fire on the advancing enemy until he ran out of ammunition. Grabbing the weapon of a fallen comrade, he dashed among his men to rally them against the determined Viet Cong. As the hostile soldiers moved closer, he secured a grenade launcher and fired deadly rounds into the enemy concentrations, heedless of the bullets and shrapnel flying all around him. The attackers concentrated their fire on him as he moved to a machine gun, but he inflicted numerous casualties with extremely accurate bursts. Unable to stop the overwhelming assault, he led his men in a fierce charge through the enemy lines to a safer position. Moving into a tight perimeter, his inspired men fought furiously to defeat the numerically superior force. His fearless leadership in the face of grave danger contributed greatly to the destruction of the enemy. Second Lieutenant Rasser’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.