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 (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant] Joseph W. Eszes, 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 C, 16th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant Eszes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 December 1971 when his troop was conducting a visual reconnaissance in search of a North Vietnamese battalion. Two helicopters had imitated low-level reconnaissance when both were shot down by a deadly barrage of enemy fire. Captain Eszes, monitoring the situation from an outpost, started for the battle site. A command and control helicopter had successfully evacuated one crew but was unable to reach the other ship due to intense enemy fire. Captain Eszes three times tried to unsuccessfully to reach the downed helicopter crew. When his ship was gushing fuel due to a bullet damage, he returned to the outpost, got another ship and resumed rescue attempts. His fourth attempt was thwarted when his windshield was shattered by a hail of fire. A fifth time he attempted an approach and was successful in getting to the downed helicopter. However, after a quick visual search of the area, the magnitude and proximity of the enemy fire forced him to depart. As they were lifting off, an explosion around the downed helicopter quelled any hope of the two crewmen surviving. Captain Eszes’ 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.