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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Dennis C. Tomcik (ASN: 0-5341518), 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 Company B, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Tomcik distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 December 1968 while commanding his company on a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Kien Hoa Province. After moving into an enemy infested area, and establishing his unit in a defensive position, Lieutenant Tomcik left with eight men to locate hostile activity. Approaching a small hut, he spotted a Viet Cong and wounded him with a burst of rifle fire, but the enemy managed to escape. Lieutenant Tomcik pursued the fleeing communist and, coming upon a large stream, directed his troops to take cover while he and one man continued the chase. Hearing voices while searching a dwelling, he stepped outside and confronted three armed Viet Cong, whom he shot and killed Fifteen to twenty Viet Cong suddenly opened fire, and Lieutenant Tomcik courageously returned the fire, killing one of the advancing foe, enabling his comrade to withdraw. When he reached the stream, he found that his companion was floundering in the deep, rapid water. Disregarding a hail of enemy bullets, he plunged in and pulled the man to safety. He then directed his elements fire and called in artillery strikes during the trip back to the company. First Lieutenant Tomcik’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.