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 Captain (Infantry) George C. D’Avignon (ASN: 0-5315074), 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 D, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Captain D’Avignon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 April 1968 as commanding officer of an infantry company on a reinforcement mission near Kontum City. As his unit moved to the aid of a sister company, it came under sudden and intense enemy fire from all directions. Captain D’Avignon quickly positioned his men to relieve pressure on the trapped unit. While leading his third platoon in an attack on the enemy, he was struck twice by hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire. Despite his severe wounds, he continued to lead the counterattack and single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine gun bunker, killing the four crew members. Captain D’Avignon spotted several wounded soldiers and moved to their aid. As he treated a fallen comrade, he was hit in the shoulder. Still ignoring his wounds, he continued to aid the casualties. Only after his mission was completed and all the wounded had been treated did he allow himself to be evacuated. Captain D’Avignon’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.