DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY VIETNAM

APO San Francisco 96375

GENERAL ORDERS                                                                                          9 January 1969

NUMBER 82

AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced.

GUEVARA, JESUS H US54720906 SPECIALIST FOUR United States Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, APO 96262

Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross

Date action: 27 September 1968

Theater: Republic of Vietnam

Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Guevara distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 September 1968 while serving as a radio telephone operator on a five man listening and observation patrol southeast of Duc Lap. North Vietnamese Army troops occupying a well camouflaged bunker complex opened fire on his small element, instantly killing the patrol leader. Specialist Guevara immediately took command, directing the men into a defensive position while providing covering fire. He also contacted his company, giving details of his unit’s location and the strength of the enemy. The communists assaulted and killed another member of the patrol, but were driven back. After a second attempt to overrun the Americans, during which Specialist Guevara killed two North Vietnamese, the aggressors withdrew slightly and unleashed a barrage of automatic weapons fire and grenades. A grenade landed in his position and he fearlessly picked it up and threw it back at the enemy. When a second grenade fell amid the three patrol members, he again grabbed it and attempted to throw it, but the deadly missile exploded before he released it. Specialist Guevara absorbed most of the impact from the grenade and received further injuries from a smoke grenade which was detonated by the explosion. Despite his grievous wounds, he tried to reach his radio to report the action. Through his efforts, he and his two comrades were able to hold off the aggressors until relief arrived. Specialist Four Guevara’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.