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 Sergeant Donald F. 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 Company C, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Sergeant Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 March 1969 while serving as a platoon leader during a combat sweep operation near Tap An Bac. As his platoon was moving toward the village, Sergeant Davidson spotted five North Vietnamese soldiers through the thick bamboo thickets. He shouted a warning to his platoon and led an assault against the enemy. After eliminating the hostile troops, he continued to flush out additional enemy soldiers, killing several and capturing weapons and documents. Seeing a contingent of North Vietnamese attempting to reach a bunker, he rushed in to cut off their approach. He then directed his men in destroying the fortification. Regrouping his element, he continued the assault toward the hamlet. When he was wounded in the shoulder, he refused to let any of his men evacuate him and remained to rally his platoon until the enemy forces were completely defeated. Sergeant Davidson’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.