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 Lanny Voiles (ASN: US-53757060), 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 B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Voiles distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 April 1969 while serving as acting platoon sergeant during a nighttime ambush mission. While advancing, his unit suddenly encountered a barrage of hostile cross-fire from rifles, automatic weapons and claymore mines. During the initial assault, the platoon leader was disabled and Sergeant Voiles immediately assumed command of the pinned-down element. As he maneuvered forward to an observation position, he noticed that the radio-telephone operator had been downed by enemy rounds. He braved the fusillade to retrieve the injured man and then organized the safe withdrawal of the wounded platoon leader. Hearing that the platoon medic was lying wounded near an empty bunker, he moved through the bullet-swept area, placing accurate small arms and grenade fire on the aggressors. As he aided the wounded medic, he shielded him from the devastating wall of enemy fire until relief came and evacuation was effected. Sergeant Voiles’ 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.