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 (Field Artillery) Harvey E. Stewart (ASN: 0-79489), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. After an attack which took place at approximately 0100 hours, 10 June 1965, the Vietnamese hamlet of Don Xoai was over-run by a Viet Cong force of approximately regimental size and a nearby military compound was being subjected to a heavy barrage of insurgent fire. At approximately 1215 hours, after several attempts to reinforce the besieged compound had failed, plans were initiated to evacuate the several Americans and Vietnamese who were holding the position. Major Stewart volunteered to lead three unarmed rescue helicopters and retrieve the besieged members from their embattled position. Armed helicopter escort was provided to assist Major Stewart’s group in their rescue attempt. Upon reaching the battle site, all evacuation helicopters were subjected to a heavy volume of hostile fire and each received hits from the insurgent barrage. Realizing the fate of the gallant defenders, Major Stewart with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led the other aircraft and maneuvered his helicopter through the thick hail of hostile fire to a perfect landing next to the besieged group within the compound. While on the ground, despite intense hostile fire being directed at them, Major Stewart and his crews set up defensive firing positions and directed the loading of the evacuation aircraft. During the operation, one of the rescue helicopters received direct hits and was badly damaged and grounded. Major Stewart then expertly piloted his heavily overloaded and damaged craft once again through the heavy concentration of insurgent small arms and automatic weapons fire and notwithstanding the murderous barrage, successfully effected the safe evacuation of personnel from the besieged compound. Major Stewart’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.