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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard D. O’Claire (ASN: 0-5339857), 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 33, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. First Lieutenant O’Claire distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 February 1969 while serving as Battalion Senior Advisor and accompanying a Vietnamese company which was conducting a joint operation with a tank platoon. The combined elements encountered a battalion-sized Viet Cong force entrenched in bunkers, streams and rice paddies to the east of the hamlet of Binh Lam. Immediately exposing himself to enemy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and rocket fire, Lieutenant O’Claire pinpointed several Viet Cong bunkers and brought accurate tank fire against these positions. His unit advanced to a stream line where he again directed tanks and gun ships, personally killing a communist by crawling to within four feet of a bunker and hurling a grenade inside. After spearheading an assault during which three Viet Cong were captured and directing air strikes, he was attempting to advance when the hostile fire increased in intensity, wounding him and forcing the Vietnamese troops to withdraw to permit additional air strikes. Disregarding his injuries, he continued to supervise the tanks and other fire support until his men had reached safety and sufficient fire power was being placed on the enemy. First Lieutenant O’Clare’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.