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 Sergeant First Class Jesse Lemmie Yearta, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Sergeant First Class Jessie L. Yearta distinguished himself while serving as an advisor to the 81st Ranger Group, Army of the Republic of Vietnam during the period 20 April 1972 to 20 May 1972. The 81st Ranger Group was given the mission of retaking a northern sector of the besieged provincial capital of An Loc, held by enemy forces. Sergeant Yearta constantly exposed himself to the enemy fire and directed airstrikes and other supporting fires as the battalion quickly regained control of a portion of the area. During this period, he infiltrated into enemy-held areas of the city and directed highly successful airstrikes on the enemy positions around him and was repeatedly subjected to indirect and small arms fire. On three other occasions, as the enemy attempted regimental-size attacks supported by tanks and artillery in an attempt to overrun the friendly positions, Sergeant Yearta again exposed himself, at great personal risk, from rooftops and forward positions to adjust airstrikes and successfully thwart the enemy’s attempts. The courage and determination he instilled in the Vietnamese forces by his personal example was crucial in the successful completion of their mission. Sergeant First Class Yearta’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.