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 Private First Class Dennis C. Steffensen (ASN: RA-16923459), 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, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Steffensen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 February 1968 while serving with an infantry unit conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Tay Ninh. His company was attacked by an estimated Viet Cong battalion firing from well fortified positions. Seeking cover behind a nearby brick wall, Private Steffensen delivered intense suppressive fire on the insurgents while an assault was organized. During two successive assaults on the enemy positions, the Viet Cong inflicted heavy casualties to the friendly troops, causing them to withdraw and regroup. Completely disregarding his own safety, Private Steffensen charged the enemy emplacements a third time, and, despite the rocket and automatic weapons fire directed toward him, he silenced one of the bunkers. He then began carrying the wounded from the battlefield to cover, continually exposing himself to enemy fire. Moments after he had retrieved the last casualty, a rocket struck one of the armored vehicles supporting the operation, and he was wounded by shrapnel from the explosion. Disregarding his painful wounds, he rushed to aid his comrades, pulling them from the damaged vehicle to safety and treating their injuries. Private First Class Steffensen’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.