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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Clifford Maus (ASN: 0-72142), 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 F (Long Range Patrol), 51st Infantry, II Field Force. Lieutenant Colonel Maus distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968, while defending the Bien Hoa/Long Binh complex against the communist Lunar New Year offensive. A long range patrol reported a Viet Cong company moving into the area under cover of darkness, and Colonel Maus ordered all available supporting aircraft into the air to fend off the impending attack. Boarding his command and control helicopter, he joined the defenders. The attack soon became reality; and due to Colonel Maus’ foresight, the insurgents rocket and mortar positions were brought under immediate gunship fire which minimized the effectiveness of the enemy weapons. A mechanized unit moving to aid the isolated long range patrol was viciously ambushed. Despite intense and devastating enemy anti-aircraft fire directed at his ship, Colonel Maus flew to the beleaguered armored platoon’s position. He repeatedly made low-level passes to drop illumination flares and direct gunship strafing runs on the determined Viet Cong. The insurgents broke contact after three hours of fighting and fled toward the small long range patrol’s position. Colonel Maus pursued them and ordered gunships to place suppressive fire between the attackers and the friendly unit. After the gunships and his own doorgunners had expended their ammunition, he continued to direct low-level passes over the enemy, personally placing accurate rifle fire on the attackers. His actions were responsible for repelling the Viet Cong until extraction of the beleaguered unit was completed. His gallant leadership in the heat of battle was also instrumental in the successful defense of Bien Hoa/Long Binh. Lieutenant Colonel Maus’ 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.