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 Patrick S. Carmichael (ASN: RA-18964156), 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, 227th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter), 11th Aviation Group, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Specialist Four Carmichael distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the night of 11 March 1969 at Quan Loi while serving as a perimeter guard. An enemy soldier infiltrated through two rows of defensive wire and threw a hand grenade at the bunker where Specialist Carmichael was on duty. Reacting instantly, he yelled a warning to his two fellow guards, who were resting, and pushed them to safety. He then grabbed a bundle of empty sand bags and dove toward the grenade in an attempt to smother the explosion. Just as he reached the grenade, it detonated. Specialist Carmichael was wounded seriously but his comrades escaped injury. Specialist Four Carmichael’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.