The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Infantry) Charles Edward Getz (ASN: 0-87133), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 52d Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry Division. Major Getz distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 October 1970 while commanding a combat air assault operation near Thach An Dong, Son Tinh. Prior to troop insertion, Major Getz was reconnoitering the area in his control helicopter when an enemy force was observed near a small hamlet. While flying at low altitude in order to mark the first landing zone for the delivery of his troops, his helicopter began receiving enemy ground fire. Ignoring the heavy volume of fire concentrated at his aircraft, Major Getz directed his pilot to the second landing zone, marking it with smoke grenades. Moments later, his helicopter landed so that he could personally direct the ground movements of his two platoons against the opposing force. To coordinate the advance of both platoons, Major Getz raced two-hundred meters across an open rice paddy although enemy fire was directed almost entirely at him. Advancing to an enemy emplacement through a barrage of fire, Major Getz eliminated the position and its three occupants. As he continued forward, he discovered an enemy tunnel. He unhesitatingly entered the tunnel and captured a North Vietnamese soldier and his weapons. Continuously exposed to hostile fire, he effectively maneuvered his two platoons in a successful assault against the well-fortified enemy emplacements. Throughout the entire engagement, Major Getz’s aggressive and determined efforts boosted the morale of his troops, inspired them to maintain the offensive, and defeat the hostile enemy force. Major Getz’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.