Vietnam Wall Panel coords 31W 084

Service # 16695245

Start of Tour 05/14/1968

Distinguished Service Cross

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 Donald Ray Rhodes, 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 Company A, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Sergeant Rhodes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 February 1969 while serving as a squad leader during a combat operation. When his squad became scattered and pinned down by enemy automatic weapons fire, he began advancing toward the hostile emplacement to attract enemy fire, enabling his men to move to secure positions. Determined to silence the position, he rose to throw a grenade and was struck to the ground by enemy fire. He nevertheless resumed his advance on the entrenchment until he was fatally wounded by a burst of automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Rhodes' 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.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3271 (August 23, 1969)

Rhodes, Donald Ray, SGT