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 Private First Class Hubert Farrelly (ASN: RA-51513471), 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 Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Private First Class Farrelly distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 July 1966 as a medical aidman in an armored ambulance in support of a unit conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation near Xa An Hoa. While moving toward their objective, the armored troop carriers were suddenly attacked by a large Viet Cong force employing recoilless rifle, mortar and machine gun fire. Almost immediately after the battle began, calls for aid were heard over the radio from the lead tank of the column which had received a direct hit from a Viet Cong recoilless rifle. With complete disregard for his safety, Private First Class Farrelly picked up his aid bag and, without a weapon, jumped from his carrier and ran approximately 200 meters through the bullet swept area to the disabled tank. While exposed to the intense Viet Cong fire, he mounted the tank, administered first aid to the seriously wounded crew and carried them to a covered position. As the hostile fire intensified, several vehicles were hit by the deadly Viet Cong recoilless rifle fire. Private First Class Farrelly continued to brave the hostile fire as he dauntlessly moved among the disabled vehicles, administering first aid and evacuating his fallen comrades. He then returned to the carrier and, although near total exhaustion, began to supply the entire crew with ammunition. Shortly after this, the vehicle directly to the front of his was hit and burst into flames. Unhesitatingly, Private First Class Farrelly rushed to the aid of the stricken victims of the blazing carrier. He climbed over the side of the blazing carrier and disappeared into the flames. In a few seconds, he dragged three wounded comrades from the carrier which threatened to explode at any moment. Although his clothes were on fire, he went back into the carrier to insure that all the crew members were extracted. After this, he attempted to climb out, but fell back into the flames. Struggling against exhaustion, fatigue and painful wounds, he managed to climb out. While performing this heroic act, Private First Class Farrelly suffered first and second degree burns over 60 percent of his body. Private First Class Farrelly’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.