By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

James F. Polusney

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:  Specialist Five, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  17 November 1969, 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 Five Polusney distinguished himself while serving as medical aidman with an infantry unit of the 1st Cavalry Division during a reconnaissance operation in Tay Ninh Province.  His company was moving over flat terrain densely wooded with bamboo when the forward platoon was engaged by an estimated platoon of North Vietnamese regulars firing from trees and heavily fortified bunkers.  In the initial concentration of command detonated mines and automatic weapons fire, the lead platoon of the reconnaissance force sustained numerous casualties.  Although seriously wounded himself, Specialist Polusney dragged himself forward to where several comrades lay critically wounded and moved from man to man administering first aid under constant and heavy enemy fire.  After saving the life of one soldier by stopping the bleeding of his sever abdominal wound and bandaging it, Specialist Polusney began crawling to another soldier who lay wounded in a small clearing.  Before he reached the man, however, Specialist Polusney was hit by sniper fire from the front and left flank.  Specialist Polusney nevertheless struggled on and reached his wounded comrade.  While administering aid to the wounded soldier, Specialist Polusney succumbed to his own wounds.  Specialist Five Polusney's 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.