Colonel Jack G. Whitted, USA, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism on 8 November 1966 while commanding the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division on a search and destroy mission. Although no Viet Cong activity was reported in his vicinity, Colonel Whitted personally reconnoitered and directed the construction of their defensive night position. He required his men to carry double basic loads of ammunition and thoroughly ringed the camp with mines and trip flares, realizing the possibility of encoutering hard core Viet Cong units. Though listening outposts indicated no unusual activity throughout the night, Colonel Whitted called in his observes at sunrise and began to fire mortars in a reconnaisance-by-fire maneuver. Viet Cong forces creeping toward a camp during the night, thought they had been discovered and were forced to begin their attack prematurely. With the hostile positions revealed to him, Colonel Whitted directed an artillery counterattack. Although completely exposed to the increasing fire falling around him, he refused to leave the knoll which gave him a view of the battle area. When a dangerous situation developed in one sector, he personally directed an air strike to his own positions. Although wounded, Colonel Whitted continued, with complete disregard for his personal safety, to man his command post. His thorough and constant briefing of officers and confident direction of the battle resulted in a decisive victory. A very large cache of supplies and ammunitions was confiscated and over 400 Viet Cong were killed, while friendly casualties were light. Colonel Whitted’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Col. Whitted joined the Legion of Valor in 1975.