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) Terence Dale O’Brien (ASN: OF-104218), 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, 14th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant O’Brien distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 November 1966 while serving as Platoon Leader during a search and destroy operation in enemy controlled territory along the Cambodian border. As his platoon moved through the jungle forward of the company, it received voluminous machine gun and mortar fire from a large North Vietnamese force. Lieutenant O’Brien immediately deployed his unit to return fire and counter the enemy thrusts. While moving to place his troops into more advantageous positions throughout the area, he was wounded in both legs by enemy sniper fire. Disregarding his painful injuries, Lieutenant O’Brien remained on the front lines to direct his men and aid the wounded. As the North Vietnamese repeatedly attempted to overrun the platoon with human wave assaults, he relentlessly held his position, allowing the remainder of the beleaguered force to establish a defensive perimeter. He then braved the onslaught of enemy fire as he led his troops back to the friendly perimeter and directed their tactical positions. It was during this action that Lieutenant O’Brien was fatally wounded by an exploding mortar. First Lieutenant O’Brien’s 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.