(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Private First Class Michael John Hand, 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 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Private First Class Hand distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 and 10 June 1965 during a 1-hour communist attack on the Special Forces compound at Dong Ha. Private First Class Hand braved a barrage of fire in an attempt to rescue a wounded comrade, then darted into a building and dragged to safety a wounded American captain and a Seabee. Wounded by shrapnel himself, he found a machine gun and raked the enemy until the weapon jammed. Hit by another blast of shrapnel, Private First Class Hand was ordered to withdraw, but, despite his wounded, he volunteered to rescue another wounded man. His 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.