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 Staff Sergeant Daniel L. Ireland (ASN: RA-16798867), 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 C, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Ireland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 January 1968 as an infantry platoon sergeant during a search and destroy mission of Operation YELLOWSTONE. Sergeant Ireland was moving with his company’s point element when Viet Cong forces launched a savage attack on the unit. He was momentarily knocked unconscious by an exploding enemy claymore mine but quickly recovered and delivered a devastating barrage on the attackers. After killing two insurgents with grenade launcher fire, he moved across the bullet-swept battlefield to reorganize his men and direct their fight against the enemy. Automatic weapons and rocket grenade fire struck all around him, but he refused to take cover and called for a machine gun to be brought forward. The gunner was wounded as the enemy concentrated its full firepower on the vital weapon. Sergeant Ireland immediately took charge of the weapon and covered the withdrawal of the point element to the company perimeter. After moving back himself, he noticed that the wounded gunner had not reached safety. Completely disregarding his safety, Sergeant Ireland dashed through a curtain of fire to his fallen comrade and carried him back to friendly lines. He then returned to the raging battle and deployed his troops to more effectively repulse the continuing enemy assaults. Repeatedly inspiring his men with his heroic actions in the heat of battle, he directed a tenacious defense which inflicted heavy casualties on the Viet Cong and forced them to flee. Staff Sergeant Ireland’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.