Distinguished Service Cross Kline, James J.. *
Rank and organization: Specialist Four, U.S. Army Company C 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th LIB
Place and Date: Republic of Vietnam, 14 May 1968
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Kline distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 14 May 1968 while serving as an assistant machine gunner suring combat operations in enemy territory. He was helping secure the perimeter of his company base camp when a large Viet Cong force attacked. Under the cover of darkness and a driving rain, the enemy was able to penetrate the company's defenses and take control of several bunker positions. During the savage battle that followed, several of the defenders were wounded and stranded in the open. Although wounded himself, Specialist Kline left his position to aid his injured comrades. Moving through withering enemy machine gun and rocket fire, he carried one casualty after another from the battle area to safety. After having removed six men from the line of fire, he began checking bunkers for other wounded personnel. He discovered that two American casualties were trapped in an enemy-held bunker. Disregarding his safety, Specialist Kline courageously assaulted the postition, killing two insurgents and silencing their machine gun. As he continued to advance against the fortification, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Kline's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President under provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.
* Posthumous award