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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Andrew R. Lepeilbet, 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, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Lepeilbet distinguished himself while serving as platoon leader in the Plei Trap Valley in the Central Highlands. On 12 March 1969, two platoons of his unit came under a devastating barrage of small arms, automatic weapons, and grenade fire from a North Vietnamese force concealed in well constructed bunkers. As his element sustained heavy casualties, Lieutenant Lepeilbet courageously moved forward to engage the nearest bunker with grenade fire. Suddenly an enemy grenade landed a few feet from him and his radio operator. Without hesitation, he placed himself between his radio operator and the device, taking the full force of the explosion which hurled him to the ground and inflicted crippling leg and back wounds. Under orders to join with the main element, Lieutenant Lepeilbet organized and integrated the platoon, supervised construction of litters for the wounded and, meter by meter, maneuvered his men through two hundred meters of bullet-strafed terrain. Under his dauntless direction, his men suppressed the enemy, but the communists massed to launch an all-out attack. As the enemy sought to over-run the element, Lieutenant Lepeilbet tenaciously checked the perimeter, supervised the evacuation of the wounded to places of safety, and redeployed his men. Through his determination, the enemy was repelled. First Lieutenant Lepeilbet’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.