Distinguished Service Cross Noel, John M.
Rank and organization: Specialist Four, U.S. Army D-17th Armored Cavalry, 199th LIB
Place and Date: Republic of Vietnam, 6 December 1967
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Noel distingushed himself by exceptionally valorous action on 6 December 1967 while serving with an armored platoon supporting and infantry battalion on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Saigon. When his force was heavily engaged by a numerically superior Viet Cong force firing from heavily fortified positions, Specialist Noel braved the savage enemy barrage and directed withering machine gun fire on the attackers, enabling the infantry battaion to withdraw. When his vehicle commander was seriously wounded by a claymore mine, he immediately assumed command of the vehicle. While he directed the fires of his men, the carrier took a direct hit from a hostile antitank weapon that detonated grenades and ammunition in the vehicle.Although Specilalist Noel's arm was severed by the blast, he completely disregarded the pain and continued to deliver withering fire on the attackers until his position became untenable. He received another severe wound in the abdomen but refused evactuation until his wounded comrades were safe. His gallant actions and selfless devotion to the safety of others at the risk of his life were instrumental in saving several lives in the heat of battle. Specialist Four Noel'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.
Authority: By direction of the President under provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.