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 Joseph Meno Perez (ASN: US-50011800), 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 C, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Fourth Class Perez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 May 1967 as a fire team leader of an infantry company conducting a search and destroy mission near the Cambodian border. As the unit reached the crest of a hill, it came under heavy sniper fire from tree lines to the front and left flank. The commanding officer was mortally wounded by the initial volley. Specialist Perez directed the troops to seek cover while he remained exposed to the enemy and laid down suppressive fire. Several men took cover behind a log to escape the hostile barrage. As Specialist Perez joined them, the enemy began to employ mortars and rockets in addition to small arms fire. He and the small group behind the log were temporarily immobilized and forced to remain in that position, returning fire as effectively as possible. Suddenly, an enemy grenade landed in front of Specialist Perez. Without hesitation, he seized the grenade and absorbed its explosion with his own body to shield his comrades from the blast. He lay unconscious in the open area for approximately twenty minutes as continuing insurgent fire prevented anyone from going to his aid. Upon regaining consciousness, he crawled twenty meters to a point where he could be reached and treated by medics. His heroic act enabled his fire team to remain an effective fighting force and saved several of its members from being severely wounded or killed. Specialist Fourth Class Perez’ 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.