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 Clyde E. Savage (ASN: RA-14746198), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Savage was serving as squad leader in the 2d Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), on 14 November 1965, when it was attacked by a hostile force which consisted of approximately two companies. As an offensive measure, Sergeant Savage led his squad and attacked one of the hostile squads. During the attack, the bulk of the hostile force hit them. He immediately pulled his men in tight and succeeded in inflicting numerous casualties on the insurgent force. The rest of the platoon was also under intense fire and had to take a defensive position on a nearby knoll. During the fierce battle that followed, Sergeant Savage saved the lives of three comrades who had been wounded by killing three insurgents who had maneuvered to within ten meters of their position. The platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and weapon’s squad leader were mortally wounded, at which time Sergeant Savage assumed command. With most of the men either dead or wounded and being completely surrounded, the platoon continued holding off the insurgents for twenty-six hours. Sergeant Savage courageously called in supporting artillery fire to within fifty meters of their positions during the night. The following morning he shot over thirty of the insurgents during the bitter fight. His leadership during the battle influenced his men to hold out until reinforcements relieved them. Sergeant Savage’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.