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 David Scholtus, 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, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Specialist Four Scholtus distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 July 1969 when his company and a sister unit became pinned down by heavy fire from a well-entrenched enemy force. Despite the support of gunship and tactical air strikes, the two infantry companies were unable to gain ground or dislodge the enemy from their positions. Directing his squad to place down a heavy base of fire, Specialist Scholtus rushed across thirty meters of open terrain to engage an enemy position. Although subjected to intense volumes of hostile fire, he destroyed the enemy emplacement with rifle fire and hand grenades. He then maneuvered under fire to within twenty feet of a second enemy position. After hurling a grenade to suppress the defenders’ fire, he charged the emplacement and silenced its occupants. The stalemate broken by his bold actions, the infantry companies were now free to advance and sweep over the enemy force. Specialist Four Scholtus’ 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.