DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, United States Army
Vietnam
APO San Francisco 96375
GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 1839 |
20 April 1968
|
AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
| HAINES, JOHN L US54959324 SPECIALIST FOUR E-4
UNITED STATES ARMY HHC, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 25th
Infantry Division, APO 96225 |
| Awarded: |
Distinguished Service Cross |
| Date of Action: |
6 March 1968 |
| Theater: |
Republic of Viet Nam |
| Reason: |
For extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations |
|
For extraordinary heroism in connection with
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Haines distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 6 March 1968 as medical aidman for an infantry platoon
conducting a sweep and secure mission near Hoc Mon. As his unit moved into
a dense woodline, it was subjected to intense small arms, automatic weapons,
and anti-tank rocket fire from an enemy force of unknown size. Five members
of his platoon wereseriously wounded by the initial burst of savage hostile
fire. Fearlessly exposing himself to the withering fusillade, Specialist
Haines raced forward to assist his stricken comrades. With bullets striking
all around him, he courageously moved from one casualty to another, administering
first aid. Specialist Haines was hit while traeting one of the soldiers,
but disregarded his wound and continued his livesaving mission. Observing
his platoon sergeant severely wounded and lying in an open area raked by
enemy machine gun fire, he rushed to the man and began attending him. Specialist
Haines was instantly killed by the machine gun fire while applying the
last bandage to his fallen comrade. His gallant and determined actions
in close combat saved the lives of several fellow soldiers. Specialist
Four Haines' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of
his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army. |
| Authority: |
By direction of the President, under the provisions
of the Act of |
|
Congress, approved 25 July 1963. |
|
JOHN LODA HAINES 
