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 Major (Infantry) Thomas A. Davidson, 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 Advisory Team 47, Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support (Cords) Military Region 3. Major Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 5 April 1972 to 11 April 1972 while serving as District Senior Advisor, Loc Ninh District, Binh Long Province, Military Region 3, Republic of Vietnam. On 5 April 1972, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched a major offensive with the objective of capturing Binh Long Province in Military Region 3. The 5th Viet Cong Division was targeted against Loc Ninh, the capitol of Loc Nin District in northern Bin Long Province. The 5th Viet Cong Division launched a massive coordinated ground attack against Loc Ninh beginning early in the morning of 5 April 1972. The attack was supported by artillery and tanks. Major Davidson skillfully directed tactical air strikes and helicopter gunships in support of the District Headquarters Compound which was the objective of the enemy attack. During the period 5 April to 7 April the enemy launched repeated human wave attacks supported by tanks and artillery in an effort to overrun and capture the district headquarters. All the remainder of the district was already in enemy hands. Major Davidson’s skillful use of numerous air strikes beat off attack after attack by enemy forces. Numerous enemy tanks and artillery pieces were destroyed in these air strikes. However, the weight of the massive enemy attacks was so great that despite extremely heavy losses, enemy forces finally overran the District Headquarters Compound. At this point Major Davidson called in tactical air strikes on his position. Only after his bunker was set afire did he relocate his party in a nearby rubber grove and continued to direct air strikes on the enemy, without regard for his personal safety. Only after darkness, with failing communications when it was impossible to influence the action further did he begin his incredible escape back to friendly forces. Major Davidson’s conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.