The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Guy Lamar Mears, Jr., 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 254th Medical Detachment, 45th Medical Company, 44th Medical Brigade, 1st Logistics Command. Specialist Four Mears distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 October 1970. On that date Specialist Mears was serving as a crew chief aboard a medical evacuation helicopter near Tuy Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. The helicopter in which Specialist Mears was serving as a crew member exploded and started burning as a result of enemy fire. Specialist Mears escaped from the burning aircraft unharmed, but when he discovered the pilot of the aircraft remained trapped inside he re-entered the fiercely burning aircraft at the risk of his life in order to save the lives of fellow crew members. Specialist Mears continued his brave rescue attempt with total disregard for his own safety until he became incapacitated by mortal burns. Specialist Mears’ conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his own life are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him, and the United States Army.