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 Captain (Infantry) Dennis G. Wallin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force during the period 23 April to 26 April 1972, while serving as Deputy Senior Advisor to the 9th Airborne Battalion, Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 April the North Vietnamese Army launched a vicious attack with tanks and infantry supported by artillery and rockets. The momentum of their attack collapsed the Tan Canh defenses resulting in the capture of the vital road networks south and east of Tan Canh. This action forced the 9th Airborne Battalion to withdraw, leaving the 92d Company surrounded by enemy forces in the rugged mountainous area northwest of Tan Canh, Dak To Province. The 92d Company was under heavy small arms fire from all sides in addition to constant artillery and mortar fires. Beyond the range of friendly artillery fires, Captain Wallin immediately requested aerial rocket artillery gun ships to suppress enemy fires. Captain Wallin then dashed through intense fires to reach a position to observe and guide the fires of the gun ships. As the gun ships poured rockets and machine gun fire on the enemy position, Captain Wallin again exposed himself to the murderous fire to gain dominant observation of other portions of the perimeter. Frequently Captain Wallin’s exposed positions were spattered with shrapnel and dirt as he called for aerial rocket artillery fires within twenty-five meters of the perimeter. Many times during the three-day ordeal, Captain Wallin was credited by the Vietnamese soldiers with decimating the ranks of enemy soldiers with gun ship fires, thus enabling the unit to move to new locations. During these moves, Captain Wallin remained with the point elements to adjust air strikes and gun ships supporting the withdrawal. In addition to his brilliant use of helicopter gun ships and tactical air support, Captain Wallin was a constant source of strength to his counterpart in planning their attacks, moves, defense, and infiltration through enemy territory to safety. The successful extraction of the South Vietnamese force, with all of its wounded and most of its equipment, must be largely credited to Captain Wallin’s professional and continued use of air assets, his decisive and forceful leadership, personal courage and determination to survive. Captain Wallin’s extraordinary heroism, devotion to duty and conspicuous gallantry under fire are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him and the United States Army.