The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Dennis Charles Durand, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with A/227th Assault Helicopter Company, 52d Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade. Specialist Four Durand distinguished himself on 25 May 1971 while serving as doorgunner on an emergency medical evacuation mission near Dac To. His helicopter was embarked on a mission to rescue a seriously wounded survivor of a U.S. helicopter which had crashed the day before. This involved braving intense enemy anti-aircraft fire since an estimated two enemy regiments completely surrounded the besieged firebase. Specialist Durand realized the enemy situation and strength, but his concern for the life of a fellow American soldier overshadowed this knowledge. It was further learned that two ARVN soldiers were also critically wounded and in dire need of medical evacuation. Specialist Durand’s aircraft proceeded through the hail of enemy fire to the firebase and picked up the seriously wounded American as well as the Allied soldiers. Upon departing the firebase, his aircraft received heavy enemy fire and lost its motor before it burst into flames and crashed into the jungle. It was during this period that Specialist Durand was killed. Specialist Durand’s personal bravery and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.