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 First Class Edward G. McGinnis (ASN: RA-17519629), 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 Advisory Team 73, IV Corps Tactical Zone, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Sergeant First Class McGinnis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 and 11 February 1969 while advising a regional strike force company on an airmobile search and destroy operation in Kien Hung District, Chuong Thien Province. About noon, his unit was pinned down in a rice paddy by fierce hostile fire from a nearby woodline. Nine men were wounded and trapped in the open field. Sergeant McGinnis rushed from his relatively safe position, through the deadly barrage, to the wounded men. He then began to administer first aid to his Vietnamese comrades. Inspired by his courageous actions, others from his unit followed his example. Soon most of the wounded had been reached, and Sergeant McGinnis, braving the enemy fusillade, began pulling the injured to safety. Having retrieved as many casualties as possible, he assisted in moving them further to the rear to be evacuated. He then proceeded to pinpoint enemy positions, directing gun ship fire until dark. Sergeant McGinnis’ 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.