By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Daniel A. Hennessy

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:  First Lieutenant, Company B, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  28 December 1966, Republic of Vietnam

Reason:  For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:  First Lieutenant Hennessy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 December 1966 while serving as a platoon leader with elements of the 8th Cavalry n a search and destroy mission in Quan Hoai An Province.  When his platoon suddenly received intense hotile fire from a nearby village, Lieutenant Hennessy dauntlessly led an assault on the Viet Cong positions.  Maneuvering through a hail of bullets, hem moved to the head of the platoon and was the first man to enter the hamlet.  Unmindful of his vulnerable position, Lieutenant Hennessy fearlessly engaged the enemy with his rifle and hand grenades.  He then called for artillery strikes within ten meters of his own position, which allowed his platoon to reach cover at the edge of a rice paddy.  As he shouted orders and pointed out hostile emplacements, Lieutenant Hennessy was critically wounded by Viet Cong fire.  Realizing that his wounds were fatal, he courageously continued to direct his men, until finally turning over command to his platoon sergeant with his last words.  Demonstrating unimpeachable valor and prfound concern for the men under his command, he inspired them to overwhelm and defeat the entrenched hostile force.  First Lieutenant Hennessy'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.