Vietnam Veteran receives Distinguished Service Cross

Photo By Randall Baucom | Command Sgt. Maj. Warren K. Robinson, Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, congratulates Mr. Frank Crary on his receipt of the Distinguished Service Cross.  

FORT HUACHUCA, AZ, UNITED STATES

05.22.2018

Story by Randall Baucom 

U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – At a ceremony held at Fitch Auditorium May 22, Maj. Gen. Robert P. Walters Jr., Commander of U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, presented Mr. Frank Crary, a Tucson resident, with the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War.

Fifty-two years ago, on April 7 in the Republic of Vietnam, Pfc. Crary was assigned as a senior rifleman assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Crary’s battalion reconnaissance platoon was in pursuit of North Vietnamese regulars when it encountered a numerically superior force in camouflaged fortified positions. Members of the reconnaissance platoon were pinned down and taking heavy casualties from intense enemy fire, including a crew served machine gun.

Crary identified the location of the machine gun and began returning fire, attempting to suppress the advantage of the enemy. Then, on his own initiative, and with total disregard for his own personal safety, he jumped up and ran towards the machine gun position. In doing so, Crary exposed himself to counter-fire from nearby North Vietnamese camouflaged positions, which he methodically engaged and neutralized. Continuing his one man assault, he flanked the enemy machine gun, attacking and killing the enemy. Crary’s valiant actions turned the battle, allowing the remainder of the reconnaissance platoon to neutralize the other enemy positions.

Crary’s actions that day had members of his unit wondering if he had just lost his mind, but Crary sees it a different way.

“I was just doing my job,” said Crary. “Some may have thought it was a little crazy at the time, but I saw what needed be done and I did it.”

During the ceremony the current command team from 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, presented additional awards to Crary. Lt. Col. Andrew Kiser, Commander of 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment presented Crary the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Command Sgt. Maj. Shelly Jenkins, Command Sergeant Major of 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, presented Crary the Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge and the Presidential Unit Citation.

The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Army and is given for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force.

“I never expected to receive this medal, and I was overwhelmed when Maj. Gen. Walters called me and asked if they could host the ceremony at Fort Huachuca,” said Crary. “What a thankful addition to my life.”

• Date Taken: 05.22.2018
• Date Posted: 05.22.2018 19:04
• Story ID: 277994
• Location: FORT HUACHUCA, AZ, US