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 Specialist Fourth Class Lee E. Wilson (ASN: US-51878078), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 47th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Wilson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as scout observer of a mechanized infantry unit conducting a combat operation in the village of Ho Nai. During its attack on the enemy-infested village, Specialist Wilson’s platoon was subjected to intense hostile small arms, machine gun and rocket fire. When his armored personnel carrier came to a halt amid the savage crossfire of bullets and exploding rockets, Specialist Wilson leaped to the ground, fearlessly maneuvered to the rear of the enemy’s positions and placed fierce fire on them. He determinedly pressed his personal assaults, continuously braving the relentless barrage of Viet Cong fire as he attacked. With complete disregard for his safety, Specialist Wilson repeatedly returned to his vehicle to procure additional ammunition when he had expended all that he could carry. One of his assaults was a gallant frontal attack on an enemy rocket position, which he destroyed with a light anti-tank weapon. Although seriously wounded by an insurgent’s hand grenade during the charge, Specialist Wilson refused medical treatment and evacuation from the raging battlefield. Instead, he ran back to his armored vehicle, obtained more anti-tank rockets, returned to the fight, and eliminated another rocket position and a Viet Cong automatic rifle emplacement. His dauntless efforts in close combat contributed greatly to the defeat of the numerically superior enemy force. Specialist Four Wilson’s 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.