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 First Class Hugh Julius McQuiston, Jr. (ASN: RA-36969360), 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, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Platoon Sergeant McQuiston distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 July 1967 while serving as platoon sergeant of an Airmobile platoon on a bunker destroying mission near Tuy An. While entering the village aboard tanks and bulldozers, the platoon was attacked by a well-entrenched enemy force firing automatic weapons and small arms. When the platoon leader was hit, Sergeant McQuiston immediately took command and directed his men into a defensive perimeter. Braving a hail of hostile fire, he dashed into the open numerous times to rescue wounded men from a nearby tank. He continuously exposed himself to the withering fire to rally his men and direct their fire on the Viet Cong positions. He then single-handedly attacked and destroyed an enemy trench with rifle fire and grenades killing eight insurgent soldiers. Notified that reinforcements were on the way, Sergeant McQuiston once more fully exposed himself to organize a blocking force to prevent enemy escape. His calmness and decisive leadership prevented many friendly casualties and contributed greatly to the defeat of the hostile force. Platoon Sergeant McQuiston’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.