COL JOSEPH WASCO, JR., for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Lieutenant Wasco distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 19 to 22 June 1966 while serving as a commanding officer during a search and destroy mission near Trung Luong. Throughout the four-day battle, Lieutenant Colonel Wasco repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile fire both in the air and on the ground when he moved by helicopter to the most critical sectors of the battle area. During one night he remained with his most heavily engaged company and, despite intense mortar and automatic weapons fire, visited each of the positions within the perimeter, directed the defense and exerted a steadying influence on his young troopers. He also participated in a daytime counterattack against heavily fortified positions. Later, during a large ground assault, Lieutenant Colonel Wasco directed his pilot to fly low over the engagement so that he could clearly observe the course of the battle. During these low level observation flights his craft wasa often the target of concentrated fire. Later, he again spent the night in the most critical sector of the battle, directed the defense and encouraged his men. His presence at the critical sectors on the field of battle inspired the members of his command to repulse the most savage assaults by the Viet Cong. Lieutenant Colonel Wasco’s extraordinary bravery 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.