The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brigadier General Vennard Wilson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Assistant Division Commander of the 25th Infantry Division. Brigadier General Wilson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea from 22 July to 5 October 1950. During this period General Wilson courageously and repeatedly risked his life in the execution of his duties. He was often at the front advising and encouraging battalion and company commanders, and at times, platoon and squad leaders. On 23 July 1950, in the vicinity of Sangju, Korea, while two platoons of infantry were in ditches at the side of a road covered by enemy fire, General Wilson, without regard for his personal safety, walked down the road and directed a sergeant to take his squad and clean out a small village in the rear from which the enemy fire was believed to be coming. The squad moved to the edge of the area and hit the ground. General Wilson went to the squad and by his example of personal courage enabled the sergeant and his men to enter and secure the village. On 25 September 1950, when Task Force TARMAN was held up at the Man Gang River, east of Chinju, Korea, and the Task Force commander was seriously wounded, General Wilson took charge of the crossing. Under heavy enemy small-arms and mortar fire, he personally reconnoitered the crossing site, organized the crossing, and continued on to direct operations during the assault and movement of the lead elements. On 16 September 1950, near Sachan-ni, Korea, while he was at the joint command post of companies L and F, 35th Infantry Regiment, two hundred rounds of enemy artillery and mortar fire fell on the position over a two hour period. Under this terrific fire, General Wilson’s calmness and valuable advice resulted in the successful launching of an attack by Company L. The extraordinary heroism displayed by General Wilson during the mentioned period aided immeasurably in the accomplishment of the combat mission of the 25th Infantry Division. His selfless devotion to duty has earned him the deep respect and admiration of officers and men alike and reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.