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 Captain (Infantry) James Michael Coyle (ASN: 0-93643), 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 Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Coyle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 August 1964 as an Assistant Advisor to a battalion of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Coyle demonstrated fortitude, professional skill, and determination while accompanying the friendly units on a military mission. When the Vietnamese battalion was suddenly ambushed by hostile elements, he bravely exposed himself to the heavy gunfire to cover the withdrawal of the friendly forces. During the ensuing engagement in which the enemy launched several vicious assaults, he displayed complete disregard for his own personal safety by remaining in an exposed position to defend the friendly troops. Although a severe wound forced him to take cover in a ditch temporarily, he ignored his own wound, climbed back up the bank, and continued to annihilate a great number of enemy troops during a violent battle that lasted one hour and forty minutes. Despite the overwhelming onslaught, he continued his courageous efforts until he succumbed to his mortal wound. Captain Coyle’s conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.