By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Norman A Mordue 

Rank and Organization:  First Lieutenant Infantry C Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division

Date and Place:  May 31, 1967, 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 Mordue distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 May 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an Airmobile platoon on a search and clear operation in the village of An Qui.  when another platoon was pinned down by heavy machine gun and grenade fire from a numerically superior and well entrenched insurgent force, Lieutenant Mordue immediately led his platoon on a fierce attack to relieve the pressure on the engaged unit.  Seeing two of his men wounded and pinned down, he grabbed a machine gun and braved withering enemy fire to rescue them.  He then moved to the front of his platoon, completely ignoring his own safety, and personally destroyed two enemy bunkers and killed five hostile soldiers in the ensuing offensive.  Severely wounded and unable to walk, Lieutenant Mordue refused medical aid and directed the withdrawal of his men as deadly artillery strikes were called in on the Viet Cong positions.  His bravery and gallant leadership contributed greatly to the defeat of the enemy.  First Lieutenant Mordue extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.