John L. Houston’s Distinguished Service Cross
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS
HAS AWARDED
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
TO
SERGEANT JOHN LUCIUS HOUSTON
UNITED STATES ARMY
FOR
EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM IN ACTION
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant John Lucius Houston (ASN: 14706416), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-726, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant Houston distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 July 1964 as a Radio Operator, serving with the United States Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong, Sergeant Houston demonstrated fortitude, courage, and determination when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full-scale, predawn attack on the camp. During the violent battle that ensued, lasting five hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, he participated with outstanding effectiveness in defending the installation. As he was moving to his battle position, he noticed that one of his team members had been knocked down by an exploding mortar. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he rushed through a hail of small arms fire and exploding mortars, succeeded in reaching the unconscious soldier, placed him in a covered position, and stayed with him until fully recovered before proceeding to his battle station. After he had moved only a few yards and was slightly injured by an exploding mortar, Sergeant Houston pressed on toward a large mound of dirt which afforded him excellent observation and fields of fire. From this position, he single-handedly shattered the vicious enemy assault in his sector and annihilated many of the enemy troops. As the hostile forces retaliated with an intense grenade assault on his position, he again deterred the enemy action. Although his ammunition was running out, he refused to take cover, called out to a fellow soldier to throw additional rounds to him, and reloaded the magazine while exposed to the heavy enemy gunfire. Undaunted by the overwhelming onslaught, he remained in this dangerous position for over two hours to defend the camp and displayed his valiant efforts until mortally wounded by the enemy. Sergeant Houston’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.
Born: 6 November 1941… Interred: Arlington National Cemetery