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 Staff Sergeant Howard F. Rankin (ASN: RA-14451025), 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 C, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 2d Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Rankin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 December 1968 while serving as platoon sergeant during reconnaissance-in-force operations north of An Loc. Early in the morning soon after breaking camp, his company ran into intense automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire coming from a bamboo treeline approximately fifty meters from their position. Seated in the lead track, Sergeant Rankin was thrown from his vehicle along with the other occupants when a grenade exploded close by. Although he was wounded, he immediately manned the machine gun and leveled a strafing fusillade at the enemy. He then checked the condition of his men and insured their medical attention and evacuation. While a comrade applied a tourniquet to his profusely bleeding leg, he continued firing his machine gun until it malfunctioned. Seizing a grenade launcher, he delivered a barrage that killed seven enemy troops. Throughout the action, his only concern was that all wounded personnel be extracted safely and that the enemy be dispersed rapidly. When the foe had been routed and his platoon accounted for, he allowed himself to be medically treated. Staff Sergeant Rankin’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.