JERRY A. CAIN, Private First Class, United States Army, Headquarters Battery, 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Cain distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1967 while serving as radio operator of an artillery forward observer team supporting infantry operations deep in hostile territory. Early in the morning, his unit was heavily engaged by a large enemy force dug into the ruins of a fortified village. Completely disregarding his own safety, Private Cain braved savage mortar, recoilless rifle, and machine gun fire to relay artillery adjustments sent by the forward observer. He received a serious head wound in the ravaging barrage but ignored his injury and assumed the responsibility of directing the strikes when the observer was severly hit. For more than two hours, he exposed himself to the intense enemy attack to call for artillery and keep his headquarters advised of the critical situation. As the firefight intensified, he called for supporting gunships and moved into the open time after time to direct deadly strafing runs on the fanatical attackers. He momentarily left his radio when he was overcome by his wounds but quickly returned under a hail of bullets to bring the fire closer to his positions. Despite repeated assaults on his position, he fought furiously and inspired the men around him to greater heights in repelling the overwhelming onslaught. His fearless actions in the face of grave danger contributed greatly to the defeat of the numerically superior Viet Cong force. Private First Class Cain’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.

Mr. Cain is a life member and resides in Alaska.