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 John Marion Noel (ASN: US-55854077), 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 Troop D, 17th Armored Cavalry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Light) (Separate). Specialist Fourth Class Noel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 6 December 1967 while serving with an armored platoon supporting and infantry battalion on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Saigon. When his force was heavily engaged by a numerically superior Viet Cong force firing from heavily fortified positions, Specialist Noel braved the savage enemy barrage and directed withering machine gun fire on the attackers, enabling the infantry battalion to withdraw. When his vehicle commander was seriously wounded by a claymore mine, he immediately assumed command of the vehicle. While he directed the fires of his men, the carrier took a direct hit from a hostile anti-tank weapon that detonated grenades and ammunition in the vehicle. Although Specialist Noel’s arm was severed by the blast, he completely disregarded the pain and continued to deliver withering fire on the attackers until his position became untenable. He received another severe wound in the abdomen but refused evacuation until his wounded comrades were safe. His gallant actions and selfless devotion to the safety of others at the risk of his life were instrumental in saving several lives in the heat of battle. Specialist Fourth Class Noel’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.