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) George Marecek (ASN: 0-94615), 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 Detachment A-401, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Major Marecek distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 2 to 4 March 1967, while serving as a Special Forces Commander of a Vietnamese strike force on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. While leading a reconnaissance patrol through dense jungle, he was savagely attacked by a Viet Cong company firing automatic weapons and small arms. Braving withering fire, he led a flanking maneuver and fired lethal bursts into the enemy ranks which inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents. After moving to a more secure position, he called in savage artillery and air strikes within seventy-five meters of his lines which completely routed the Viet Cong. During the early morning hours the next day, his force was hit by a reinforced hostile company while moving to a new patrol base. Major Marecek quickly deployed his men for a frontal assault and led a furious charge into the enemy fortifications, personally knocking out two automatic weapons positions with rifle fire and grenades and killing four insurgents. Heedless of intense mortar and automatic weapons fire, he exposed himself to the enemy weapons time after time to direct flare ships into the area and fight fiercely to drive off the attackers after they had suffered heavy casualties. Throughout the night, he moved through the bullet-swept jungle to inspire his men and rally them against the overwhelming hostile onslaught. His fearless leadership contributed greatly to the successful defense of his position and the defeat of the Viet Cong. Major Marecek’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.