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 Specialist Fourth Class Daniel Flores Perez, Jr. (ASN: US-54369072), 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, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Perez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 March 1967 while serving as machine gunner of an infantry platoon on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. The platoon engaged and killed two hostile soldiers but when one man moved forward to search the area, he was seriously wounded by intense enemy fire. Without regard for his own safety, Specialist Perez rushed forward and directed a heavy volume of accurate fire into the enemy positions. Remaining exposed, he fought off repeated attempts by the enemy to reach his comrade. An enemy’ grenade wounded. him seriously but he continued to repel numerous hostile assaults. During a lull in the battle, Specialist Perez dashed to retrieve his fallen friend. He then continued to fight courageously until the enemy broke contact. He gave his life while gallantly fighting to protect his comrades in the face of grave danger. Specialist Four Perez’ 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.