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 Fifth Class Hugh M. West, 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 B, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Five West distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 June 1970 while serving as a senior radio mechanic with a seven-vehicle resupply convoy in Cambodia. As the convoy proceeded to their destination just inside the Cambodian border, they were forced to delay their mission by torrential rains and poor terrain. Soon after the convoy established a defensive position, they were attacked by a large enemy force firing rockets, mortars, and small arms. Specialist West reacted immediately to the hostile fire by placing effective counter fire on the surrounding enemy positions. Although wounded by an incoming mortar round, he continued to fire at the attacking enemy while encouraging his companions to sustain the defensive efforts. Then, hearing cries for help from a wounded comrade lying in an exposed position, Specialist West ran to the casualty and carried him to the center of the allied defensive position where, amid a hail of enemy sniper fire, he applied first aid to his wounds. After treating the casualty, he returned to his fighting position where he continued to resist the enemy in a determined manner. When he was notified that a rescue helicopter was en route to evacuate seriously wounded allied personnel, the specialist moved to the evacuation site and stood alone in an exposed position to direct the aircraft to the landing zone. Although the first attempt was aborted by the intense enemy fire, Specialist West again stood in his exposed position to direct the helicopter safely down. After the wounded were loaded aboard, the specialist returned to his position to help his weary comrades resist a final enemy attack. Specialist Five West’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.