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 Sergeant Michael E. Dorch, 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 A, 2d Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Sergeant Dorch distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 April 1968 while serving as a fire team leader during a search and clear operation north of Hue. As his unit moved across a rice paddy a North Vietnamese force opened fire from their bunker complex. Although the hostile barrage of rocket grenades and machine gun fire made movement virtually impossible. Sergeant Dorch immediately began to maneuver about the rice paddy to check on each of his men. Spotting an enemy trench which approached a bunker, he leaped into it and began advancing toward the enemy. Coming upon one of his comrades who had been shot and had fallen into the trench, he paused to administer first aid and then pressed on. The occupants of the hostile fortification observed his actions and emerged to fire on him. Sergeant Dorch adroitly jumped to his feet and unleashed a burst from his rifle killing the occupants. He then rushed forward and threw two grenades into the bunker, completely destroying it. Retracing his path, he picked up the wounded soldier and carried him back to the unit’s position. After resupplying himself with ammunition, he proceeded to recover additional casualties for evacuation. Sergeant Dorch’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.