By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Jerry L. Ewing

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:  Private E-2, Company E, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) 

Date and Place:  21 March 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:  Private Ewing distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in the early hours of 21 March 1969 while serving as a perimeter guard at Landing Zone White in Tay Ninh Province.  The base came under rocket and mortar fire, followed by attacks by North Vietnamese Army sappers.  A rocket exploded against the side of Private Ewing's bunker, collapsing it and forcing him and another guard to seek shelter from the communists' barrage.  As they made their way to a trench, Private Ewing noticed one of the enemy throwing a grenade at his companion.  Yelling a warning, he pushed his comrade into the trench, jumped on top of him, and used his own body to shield him from the explosion.  By absorbing the full impact of the grenade, he saved his fellow soldier from injury.  Private Ewing'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.