By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Dennis D. Kiger

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:  Staff Sergeant, Company B, 8th Engineer Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  7 May 1970,  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 Kiger distinguished himself while serving as a volunteer member of an infantry company during an assault of an enemy element entrenched around a large cache.  As Sergeant Kiger and his comrades advanced toward the enemy emplacements, they came under an intense barrage of enemy fire.  Nevertheless, the company continued to advance until the enemy fire wounded several of the friendly soldiers.  At this time, Sergeant Kiger sprang to his feet amid the hail of enemy bullets and assaulted the nearest enemy position.  Although wounded as he advanced, he continued his assault until he eliminated the enemy position and four enemy soldiers.  He then placed intense rifle fire on the enemy from his exposed position until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Staff Sergeant Kiger'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.