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 Charles Raymond Hazelip (ASN: RA-15530898), 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, 69th Armored Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Hazelip distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 May 1967 while serving as Platoon Sergeant of an armor platoon on a cordon and search mission at An Qui. Upon entering the village, Sergeant Hazelip’s unit came under heavy attack from a well-entrenched North Vietnamese battalion. During the decisive first minutes of the battle, he exposed himself to the withering fire to direct the fire of his tanks on the enemy positions. When the platoon leader’s radio was damaged, Sergeant Hazelip took command of the entire platoon and laid down a heavy barrage of fire to enable the infantrymen to evacuate their wounded. He positioned the combined team for an assault and destroyed many enemy bunkers with his tank and grenades. While organizing a second assault, Sergeant Hazelip exposed himself to a direct hostile fire to aid a wounded comrade. Then, with little ammunition left, he valiantly led a second attack which overwhelmed the enemy and defeated them. His dauntless courage and quick reactions in the early fighting prevented the enemy from seizing control of the situation. Staff Sergeant Hazelip’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty where in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.