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) Larry D. Fleener (ASN: OF-112123), 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 B, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division. First Lieutenant Fleener distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 August 1968 as a platoon leader during a search and destroy operation in Nam Hoa District, Thua Thien Province. When his company became pinned down by intense mortar, rocket, small arms and automatic weapons fire from well-entrenched, numerically superior North Vietnamese Army troops, Lieutenant Fleener led his platoon in an envelopment of the enemy. Despite steep, rocky terrain covered with thick underbrush and sniper fire which wounded four more of his men, he succeeded in maneuvering to the rear of the hostile positions. His force was discovered by an enemy security element and began to receive a heavy automatic weapons barrage. Reacting immediately, Lieutenant Fleener directed rifle fire on the security element and, closing on the nearest bunker with two other men, silenced it with two hand grenades. Led by their valiant commander, who demolished three additional bunkers single-handedly, the platoon systematically destroyed fortification after fortification. His heroism permitted the remainder of the company to sweep forward and annihilate the North Vietnamese. First Lieutenant Fleener’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.