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 Ronald R. Young, 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 Advisory Team 87, U.S. Army Advisory Group, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Young distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 7 through 11 May 1969 while serving as light weapons infantry advisor on a reconnaissance and search operation in Long Khanh Province. When the unit made contact with a North Vietnamese regiment, Sergeant Young immediately directed supporting aircraft on the enemy positions, successfully driving the hostile force away. After a similar encounter the following day, the unit held their position. Late in the afternoon, however, the enemy again launched an attack. The reinforcements which had joined his unit were forced to withdraw under heavy pressure. Sergeant Young single-handedly engaged a flanking enemy squad, killing or wounding every member and thus opening an avenue of escape. When a machine gun opened fire less than seventy-five meters away, hindering the unit’s movement, he single-handedly stormed the position and eliminated it with hand grenades. He then assumed advisory command of the unit when the senior advisor was wounded and through his calm and assuring attitude was instrumental in preventing the troops from becoming panicky and withdrawing. Throughout the night and during the following day, Sergeant Young exposed himself to enemy fire as he directed gun ships on the hostile position in an attempt to keep the unit from being overrun. When the enemy had completely surrounded them, the Vietnamese commander decided to attempt a break out. Calling aerial support fire to weaken a section of the encirclement force, Sergeant Young successfully aided the Vietnamese commander in his plight to lead the remnant of his unit out of the trap, saving many lives. Sergeant First Class Young’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.