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 Captain (Field Artillery) Harold V. Floody, Jr. (ASN: OF-109544), 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 Battery B, 4th Battalion, 42d Artillery Regiment, 2d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Captain Floody distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 11 to 13 November 1966 while commanding a battery of the 42d Artillery supporting an engaged infantry battalion. After being helilifted into a landing zone with an advance reconnaissance team on 11 November, Captain Floody saw another helicopter shot down by nearby enemy emplacements. Unmindful of the danger, he dauntlessly exposed himself to direct the landing of two howitzers, and immediately engaged the hostile positions, knocking them out of action. Despite sporadic enemy attacks during the next day, he coordinated the establishment of the artillery fire base and the infantry command post. Early that night, the base suddenly came under intense mortar attack from a reinforced North Vietnamese battalion. When the initial barrage disrupted communications, Captain Floody left his covered position and ran through the exploding mortar rounds to the command post. Determining the location of the hostile positions, he fearlessly charged back across the ravaged area to his battery and began directing the return fire. Contemptuous of the fierce enemy attack, Captain Floody moved among his howitzers, encouraging the crews, redistributing ammunition, and organizing the treatment of the casualties. Seriously wounded twice in the back by shrapnel, he ignored the extreme pain and continued to direct the defense throughout the remainder of the thirteen-hour battle. His unrelenting courage and inspiring example enabled his men to hold their positions against overwhelming odds and inflict heavy casualties on the fanatic enemy. Captain Floody’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.