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 Felix R. Barela (ASN: US-54401904), 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 Battery C, 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division Artillery, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Fourth Class Barela distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 March 1968 as a cannoneer of an artillery battery. During the early morning hours, two battalions of enemy infantry, supported by intense mortar and rocket fire, attacked Specialist Barela’s battery position. The insurgents breached the perimeter at several points and advanced upon the howitzer parapet manned by Specialist Barela and his section. They held the attackers off with small arms fire until the enemy employed a flame thrower, which forced the artillerymen into a bunker. Specialist Barela was wounded twice by enemy grenades thrown into the bunker, but he continued to fire his weapon until his ammunition was expended. He then killed one enemy soldier in hand-to-hand combat as the determined attackers attempted to enter the bunker. Specialist Barela and his section drove the enemy back and repelled several more assaults before reinforcements arrived and the insurgents were driven out of the perimeter. His heroic actions prevented the loss of many lives and contributed greatly to the successful defense of the battery’s position. Specialist Barela’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.