CAPTAIN EDWARD W. SPINAIO, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Spinaio distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 January 1969 while serving as advisor to a Vietnamese Ranger battalion at Fire Support Base Dot located five kilometers from the Cambodian border in Tay Ninh Province. Learning that one company had encountered a North Vietnamese bunker complex during a sweep operation, Captain Spinaio quickly organized a relief force and joined the besieged unit. When the indigenous company commander was wounded by fire from a hostile bunker, Captain Spinaio single-handedly stormed the fortification and destroyed it with hand grenades. He then proceeded to move the wounded to the evacuation point. As the men were being loaded on the helicopter, two enemy soldiers charged the landing site in an attempt to damage the aircraft. Captain Spinaio shot both assailants, enabling the extraction to be completed successfully. Captain Spinaio’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Mr. Spinaio joined the Legion of Valor in 1970.