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 Fourth Class Donald L. O’Quinn (ASN: US-53612487), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four O’Quinn distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 March 1969 as a medic during a reconnaissance-in-force mission. When Specialist O’Quinn’s company was ambushed and one of the infantrymen was seriously wounded, he crossed an open area through a hail of bullets to reach the casualty. As he was administering aid, an enemy grenade landed eight feet away. Specialist O’Quinn used his body to shield the man, and was hit in the leg by shrapnel. Disregarding his painful injury, he continued to treat his comrade and then maneuvered about the battlefield to care for the other wounded. After the fighting subsided, he refused evacuation until the other casualties had been cared for and extracted. Specialist Four O’Quinn’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.