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 Captain (Infantry) Enrique P. Rodriguez (ASN: 0-5419318), 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, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Captain Rodriguez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 February 1969 while leading his company on a reconnaissance-in-force mission seven miles west of Bear Cat. While sweeping an area near Fire Support Base Aachen, his unit encountered heavy machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an enemy base camp. As Captain Rodriguez organized and led an assault against the well-fortified positions, the intense barrage caused numerous friendly casualties. Disregarding his own safety, he crawled forward and laid suppressive fire on the foe, thus enabling his men to evacuate the wounded. After he had ordered his men to withdraw with the casualties, he noticed three wounded soldiers lying exposed to the strafing volleys from a hostile bunker complex. By inching forward, he was able to get close enough to one of the fortifications to destroy it with light anti-tank weapons fire. While his men placed machine gun fire on the enemy, he raced toward a second bunker and silenced it with hand grenades. His men then retrieved the three men. Captain Rodriguez’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.