Lieutenant Colonel Artice W. Elliott was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumouosly for his extraordinary heroism while a major serving as Senior Advisor to the 3rd Battalion, 42nd Infantry Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. During the period 21 April-26 April 1971, the 3d Battalion was engaged in combat with elements of the 28th North Vietnamese Army Regiment in the vicinity of Dak Seang Special Forces Camp. Despite heavy direct and indirect fire barrages at the onset of each attack, Lieutenant Colonel Elliott would move to a position where he could direct air strikes, gunships, and artillery strikes, disregarding his own safety. He continued to expose himself on numerous occasions taking the enemy under fire with his own rifle and hand grenades. With all of his advisory team either dead or wounded he assumed an even greater share of the advisory effort, moving about the position advising the Vietnamese Battalion Commander, comforting the wounded, and inspiring the soldiers by his courage and stamina. As the situation became more desperate he took command of the unit and planned an executed breakthrough of the enemy encirclement, staying behind to inspire and orderly withdrawal. He was last seen firing his weapon in an attempt to held off the enemy so the others could escape. Lieutenant Colonel Elliott’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with highest traditions of the military service. In December 1973, The Department of the Army issued a correcting General Order to remove the word “posthumouosly” from the original authorization for his DSC.

LTC. Elliott joined the Legion of Valor in 1974.