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 Colonel (Infantry) Henry Everett Emerson (ASN: 0-50868), 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 as Commanding Officer of the 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Colonel Emerson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 April 1968 as commander of an infantry brigade during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Dinh Tuong Province. One of his brigade elements came under intense automatic weapons fire when it enter an unmarked mine field. Because of the fire, its advance was halted and the momentum of its attack was imperiled. Upon hearing of this, Colonel Emerson directed his command aircraft to land in the battle area where, completely disregarding his own safety, he took command of the beleaguered element. His presence on the battle field under intense fire quickly inspired his men to redouble their efforts and gain fire superiority over the enemy. After assuring that the insurgents were well under control, he returned to his helicopter and was informed that another battalion was engaging a large insurgent force and was having trouble in determining the exact deployment of the enemy. He directed his craft to fly over the battle area to assess the situation. His ship was flying at a low level, and it was immediately subjected to fierce enemy fire. Using the muzzle flashes to detect the location of the Viet Cong, he ordered his battalion into a position where it could encircle the insurgents and begin their methodical destruction. Observing five Viet Cong fleeing the conflict area, he directed his pilot to land. He immediately leaped from the aircraft, and, using only his pistol, killed one of the enemy and captured another.