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 Sergeant First Class Gerald Vincent Grant, 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 Command and Control Detachment, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Grant distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions near Phu Bai. At 0700 on 30 March 1967, Sergeant Grant’s section of the perimeter came under fire from an estimated six automatic weapons. The first burst gravely wounded the unit commander, but supported by Sergeant Grant, he retained command for another hour before losing consciousness. The acting commander called for medical evacuation, but the enemy launched another attack which penetrated the perimeter. Sergeant Grant organized a counterattack and drove the enemy from the perimeter. Upon arrival of the medical evacuation helicopter, he was attempting to place the commander on the jungle penetrator but enemy fire mortally wounded the pilot causing the aircraft to crash on him and the commander. Despite his injuries, he extracted the wounded co-pilot and the commander, shielding their bodies with his as a misdirected airstrike hit the friendly forces. Subsequently, he was placed in command of the decimated force and through inspiring leadership was able to move it to a landing zone by means of a diversionary attack which enabled the evacuation of all the wounded. Exposing himself to enemy fire, he continued to direct airstrikes against the enemy throughout the evacuation. After insuring that all living personnel had been evacuated, he boarded the last helicopter. Sergeant Major Grant’s conspicuous heroism and actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon him and the military service.