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 Richard A. Green (ASN: US-51570473), 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, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Specialist Four Green distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 May 1967 while serving as radio operator of an infantry platoon on a village pacification mission at An Loc. A numerically superior Viet Cong force launched a savage attack on his camp early in the morning, but Specialist Green ignored the intense barrage of machine gun, recoilless rifle and grenade fire and dashed across open ground to a nearby machine gun position. He was seriously wounded by an enemy grenade but refused aid and fought furiously against the determined onslaught. He saw that the withering Viet Cong fire was preventing his comrades from reaching the radio and immediately moved into the open under a hail of bullets to call for air strikes and reinforcements. Completely disregarding his own safety, he remained in the open to direct gunships and ordnance on the advancing attackers. With bullets and shrapnel flying all around him, he stood up in the midst of the savage firefight to guide the strafing runs using a burning hut as a reference point. He exposed himself to the Viet Cong weapons time after time to inform his commander of the rapidly changing situation and bring air strikes closer to his lines. He repeatedly refused to take cover and stayed on the radio until the insurgents were defeated and withdrew after suffering heavy casualties. His fearless actions in the face of grave danger contributed greatly to the successful defense of the village and the rout of the Viet Cong. Specialist Four Green’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.