The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General (then Colonel] Henry Everett Emerson (ASN: 0-50868), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during the period March 1968 to August 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Initially given the mission of opening and securing National Route 4, the vital highway life-line between Saigon and the Mekong Delta, General Emerson through exceptional courage and aggressiveness coupled with brilliant tactical innovations, quickly drove the Viet Cong from the highway. In addition, through a series of major actions in the Plain of Reeds and elsewhere in western Dinh Tuong, he destroyed the ability of the Viet Cong main force units to conduct offensive operations in the province. The 1st Brigade moved to Long An Province in late June and within weeks General Emerson’s Brigade had engaged and seriously damaged five Viet Cong battalions. This series of continuous offensive operations disrupted the Viet Cong local campaign plan for their vaunted third offensive against Saigon. His innovations in the tactful use of air cavalry, assault helicopter units and airborne personnel detectors have made an invaluable contribution to the combat effectiveness of his brigade. General Emerson’s gallant leadership and imaginative employment of forces have significantly furthered the national interests of the United States in the Republic of Vietnam. Brigadier General Emerson’s outstanding performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on him, his unit and the United States Army.