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 Steven R. Branham, 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, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Branham distinguished himself while serving as a machine gunner during a reconnaissance mission in Binh Long Province. His unit was moving over thick, jungle terrain when the forward element was pinned down by rocket and automatic weapons fire from an attacking enemy squad. Without hesitation, Specialist Branham rushed forward from his position in the rear of the element to engage the attackers with machine gun fire. Unleashing bursts of fire as he crawled along, Specialist Branham made his way over an exposed trail as the enemy’s automatic weapons and rocket fire filled the air and impacted all about him. When his assistant was felled by hostile fire, he shielded his comrade with his own body until a medical aidman could move up. Despite an increased volume of enemy fire, Specialist Branham then gathered up his machine gun and ammunition and resumed his lone assault on the enemy. With the adversary’s fire following his every movement, he boldly dashed to a position and with devastatingly accurate machine gun fire drove the foe to hasty and disorganized retreat. Specialist Four Branham’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.