By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Leo P. Dunsmore

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:  Private First Class, Company A, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division

Date and Place:  12 February 1968, Republic of Vietnam

Reason:  For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:  Private First Class Dunsmore distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 February 1968 as a medic accompanying an infantry company during a search and destroy operation in Quan Huong Tra Province.  The unit was moving toward a treeline on the far side of a rice paddy when it was subjected to heavy mortar, recoilless rifle and small arms fire from a North Vietnamese Army force occupying entrenched and fortified positions in the woods.  Private Dunsmore's platoon, the lead element, was temporarily pinned down behind earthen grave mounds, but soon began to assault the enemy across the one hundred meters of open rice paddy.  The platoon engaged the North Vietnamese at close range, but was forced to withdraw from the increasingly intense enemy fusillade.  Seeing many casualties lying fully exposed to the enemy weapons, Private Dunsmore unhesitant moved back into the open terrain to aid his comrades.  He repeatedly crossed the bullet-swept rice paddy to skillfully treat the casualties and carry them to safety.  While administering aid to one fallen soldier, Private Dunsmore was mortally wounded by the relentless enemy fire.  Private First Class Dunsmore 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.