VIETNAM WAR US ARMY DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

VIETNAM WAR US ARMY DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
Vietnam War US Army Distinguished Service Cross. Named to Staff Sergeant Gary D. Brewer of Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Engraved on the reverse. Original award case. No ribbon. Citation reads: "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 Staff Sergeant Gary D. Brewer (ASN: RA-16633971), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop C, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Brewer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as the platoon sergeant of a cavalry unit while defending Tan Son Nhut Air Base during the enemy's TET offensive. A large Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army force penetrated the defensive wire surrounding the base and occupied positions on the west end of the runway. Sergeant Brewer maneuvered his platoon to attack the enemy's northwest flank and successfully cut off the penetration. During this maneuver, both of his platoon's flanks became exposed to withering fire from elements of six enemy battalions. During the ensuing battle, the combined enemy force fired fierce volumes of rocket, machine gun and small arms fire into the small unit, inflicting numerous casualties. Finding that all the unit's officers had been wounded or killed, Sergeant Brewer immediately assumed command and deployed his troops for the five-hour struggle which followed. Undaunted by the enemy fusillade around him, he maintained vitally necessary communications with his squadron commander and requested and directed medical evacuation of the wounded and air resupply. He frequently dismounted his armored vehicle to fight his way through the hostile emplacements to regain contact with separated members of his force and to direct their fire. His courage and professional guidance instilled confidence in his men, even though on numerous occasions the enemy threatened to overrun their positions. His outstanding leadership contributed significantly to the overwhelming defeat of the enemy. Staff Sergeant Brewer'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".
Condition Report: Very good. Light wear.