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 First Sergeant Abelardo Malave-Rios (ASN: RA-50101308), 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 A, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. First Sergeant Malave-Rios distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 February 1968 while defending against a massive attack on his unit’s perimeter by a North Vietnamese Army force. His unit was guarding the battalion fire base when it was subjected to a savage ground attack. Exposing himself to the deadly automatic weapons fire, Sergeant Malave-Rios moved along the defensive perimeter shouting commands, pointing out targets and giving words of encouragement to his men. When an exploding grenade wounded a machine gunner, he immediately moved to the weapon and poured a concentrated volume of fire into the charging enemy troops. Several well-aimed bursts of fire killed five North Vietnamese as they assaulted his position. When this enemy foray had been repelled, he moved to aid several soldiers who had been wounded. Despite constant enemy fire, he treated their wounds and made several trips to a nearby bunker, carrying a wounded man to safety each time. He continued to expose himself to the fusillade until all the wounded had been taken to the landing zone for medical evacuation. Sergeant Malave-Rios then assumed the responsibility of guiding the arriving helicopters and prepared to load the wounded. As the first helicopter landed, the landing zone came under intense enemy fire, mortally wounding Sergeant Malave-Rios as he selflessly placed the welfare of his men above his own safety. First Sergeant Malave-Rios’ 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.