By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Jesus S. Duran

Rank and Organization:  Specialist Four, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  10 April 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 Four Duran distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 April 1969 as a machine gunner on a search and clear operation.  The reconnaissance platoon was moving into an elaborate enemy bunker complex when the lead elements began taking concentrated ambush fire from every side.  With M-60 machine gun blazing from his hip, Specialist Duran rushed forward and assumed a defensive position near the command post.  As the hostile forces stormed the post, he stood tall in a cloud of dust being raised by impacting rounds and bursting grenades aimed at him and thwarted the chargers with devastating streams of machinegun fire   Learning that two seriously wounded troopers lay helplessly pinned down under harassing fire, he assaulted the suppressive enemy positions, firing deadly bursts on the run.  Mounting a log, he fired directly into the enemy's foxholes and eliminated four of them and several others as they fled.  He then continued to pour effective fire on the disorganized and fleeing enemy.  Specialist Four Duran'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.