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 Brigadier General John Russell Deane, Jr. (ASN: 0-24835), 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 Headquarters, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Brigadier General Deane distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 9 to 25 January 1967, while Commanding the 173d Airborne Brigade during Operation CEDAR FALLS. Throughout this period, he boldly directed the brigade on search and destroy operations against fortified Viet Cong strongholds in the Iron Triangle. Unmindful of the dangers, General Deane flew daily missions in the immediate area of the most intense conflict to monitor the action from his command and control helicopter. Time and again, he selflessly exposed himself to hostile sniper fire and automatic weapons fire by landing on the ravaged battlefield to extract casualties, offer encouragement and provide tactical advice to his commanders. On one occasion, General Deane fearlessly ordered his pilot to land in a heavily booby trapped field to evacuate a wounded soldier. As the situation required, he personally directed artillery and air strikes in close support of his troops. Then, with complete disregard for his safety, he flew low over the insurgent positions to assess the damage and ensure that the enemy was not withdrawing undetected. Unrelenting in his determination and courage, General Deane would hover at treetop level to guide the ground units through the dense enemy-held jungle and often marked targets with smoke grenades. His unimpeachable valor and dynamic leadership immeasurably bolstered the morale of his men and inspired them to decisively defeat the Viet Cong in every engagement throughout Operation CEDAR FALLS. Brigadier General Deane’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 command, and the United States Army.