The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Louis Wayne Frericks, 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, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Frericks distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 March 1969 while serving as platoon leader during a night ambush operation near Lai Khe. As his element moved toward a rendezvous point, an enemy force assaulted the patrol with claymore mines, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades. Lieutenant Frericks quickly deployed his men into defensive positions to return fire on the hostile force. Learning that two of his flank security men had been wounded in the initial enemy barrage, he immediately braved the intense fusillade to assist the two casualties to safety. While he was heroically administering lifesaving first aid to one of the injured men, he was critically wounded by small arms fire. First Lieutenant Frericks’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.