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 James Edwin Dolan, 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, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Specialist Four Dolan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 May 1970 while serving as lead man of a combat patrol in the Crescent Mountains. When his patrol encountered an enemy bunker complex, Specialist Dolan and his team leader assaulted the position. The enemy immediately countered with a barrage of fire which forced the two aggressors to withdraw. During the withdrawal, Specialist Dolan was seriously wounded by the enemy but continued to place suppressive fire on the enemy to cover his comrades. Suddenly, an enemy grenade landed between Specialist Dolan and two other team members. Shouting a warning to his companions, he threw himself toward the grenade and shielded them from the blast. Although quickly evacuated to nearby medical facilities, Specialist Dolan expired a short time later. Specialist Dolan’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.