By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Richard G. Hill

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:  Staff Sergeant, Company E, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  9 December, 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:  Staff Sergeant Hill distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as squad leader during a patrol southwest of Fire support Base Compton.  When an enemy force opened fire from a flanking location, Sergeant Hill maneuvered his squad into advantageous positions, quickly eliminating six enemy troops.  His squad then swept forward and riddled the hostile emplacements with rifle fire.  As gunships moved in to bombard the enemy with rockets, Sergeant Hill assisted in evacuating the wounded.  Although his men had been ordered to provide security, upon learning that the body of a fellow squad leader had fallen in a wll-forward position, Sergeant Hill immediately volunteered to accomany another squad as it assaulted.  Valiantly pressing forward, he eliminated two enemy bunkers single-handedly.  As he attempted to destroy a third position, he was mortally wounded by enemy rocket fire.  Staff Sergeant Hill'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.