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 Specialist Fourth Class Robert L. Wright, 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 D, 2d Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Specialist Wright distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 March 1969 while serving as the radio-telephone operator during a reconnaissance-in-force operation in the jungle region of the A Shau Valley. About three hours after sunset the night defensive perimeter came under hostile automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. During the initial volley, a rocket grenade landed only a meter from the company command post. Even though the round had ignited and could have exploded at any moment, Specialist Wright ran through the incoming fusillade and threw his body on the round, smothering the fuse and rendering it harmless. Exposing himself to direct hostile fire, he began carrying the 81 millimeter rounds to the mortar crews, until the perimeter was threatened with penetration. He then immediately commenced firing into the enemy ranks with his weapon until the enemy withdrew. Specialist Four Wright’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.