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 Alfred Renteria Rios (ASN: RA-15840685), 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 Battery C, 4th Battalion, 60th Artillery, I Field Force, Vietnam. Sergeant Rios distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 May 1968 while serving as section chief of an artillery unit. His section was guarding the Bong Son Bridge on Highway One. Shortly after midnight his position was suddenly attacked by a Viet Cong force, and an enemy grenade was thrown into the midst of several of his men. With complete disregard for his safety, Sergeant Rios leaped on the grenade, using his body to shield his comrades. The grenade malfunctioned and failed to explode. Sergeant Rios rolled over on his side, picked up the grenade, and threw it back toward the enemy positions. It exploded in the air. He then rallied his troops and directed their fire on the aggressors, killing Two Viet Cong and repelling the enemy attack. Sergeant 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.