The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Larry Lester Techmeier (Techmeir), 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, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Sergeant Techmeier distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 July 1969 while serving as a platoon sergeant during the construction of Fire Base 411 near Quang Ngai. In the early morning hours, Sergeant Techmeier, who was on listening post, observed five enemy sappers moving through the wire perimeter. Immediately notifying the command post of the danger, he began maneuvering toward the hostile force. Suddenly the members of Sergeant Techmeier’s platoon opened fire on the infiltrating element. As the enemy returned a heavy volume of fire, two of the North Vietnamese managed to penetrate the wire and flank the bunker. Rising from his position, Sergeant Techmeier charged the two invaders, killing one and causing the other to flee. Obtaining permission to pursue the retreating enemy, he and three of his men went beyond the wire to reconnoiter the area. Just as they passed the outermost wire, a hostile element pinned them down with strafing automatic weapons fire and grenades. After Sergeant Techmeier killed two enemy soldiers, he was severely wounded by an exploding grenade. Rushing the thrower of the grenade, he killed the enemy soldier and captured his weapon. As he was returning to his men, he succumbed to his wounds. Sergeant Techmeier’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.