By Direction

of the

President of the United States

The

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded

To

Billy R Comer

Rank and Unit:  Specialist Four, Company D, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  22 June 1970,  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 Four Comer distinguished himself while serving as a senior medical aidman during combat operations in Cambodia on 22 June 1970.  On this date, Specialist Comer's company was engaged by a large, well concealed enemy force firing small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket grenade launchers.  Observing a wounded comrade lying in a forward, exposed position, Specialist Comer left his defensive position and ran through the enemy fire to the casualty.  While enemy bullets struck all around him, the specialist calmly treated the soldier's wounds and carried him to a covered position within the allied perimeter.  Later, during an emergency helicopter resupply operation, the specialist again moved forward through the intense hostile fire to rescue a soldier seriously injured during the operation.  When an evacuation helicopter finally arrived on the scene to rescue the wounded soldiers, Specialist Comer secured one of the casualties to a litter to be hoisted to the hovering helicopter.  However, the intense enemy fire directed at his exposed position snapped the cable attached to the litter causing the casualty to fall approximately ten feet into the open area.  Without hesitation, the specialist ran to the litter and dragged the casualty to a position of relative safety.  Throughout the entire engagement, Specialist Comer exposed himself to the fusillade as he moved from one position to another treating the numerous allied casualties.  His determined actions served as a constant inspiration to his companions and contributed immeasurably to the successful defense of the position.  Specialist Four Comer'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.