By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Wilfredo Pagan-Lozada

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:  Sergeant First Class, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  9 February 1967, Republic of Vietnam

Reason:  For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:  Sergeant First Class Pagan-Lozada distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 February 1967 while serving as a platoon sergeant with elements of the 5th Cavalry during a combat reconnaissance mission near Phu Loc.  As his company maneuvered across open rice paddies, it suddenly received intense hostile fire from a village 100 meters to its front.  Seeing his platoon leader wounded and lying exposed to enemy fire, Sergeant Pagan-Lozada dauntlessly left his covered position and dashed forward firing his weapon.  When his rifle jammed, he grabbed another and fearlessly continued across the bullet swept sandbar.  Unmindful of the grave dangers, Sergeant Pagan-Lozada charged on through a hail of bullets to the fallen soldier.  He then fired an entire magazine into the hostile emplacements less than twenty-five meters away, as he shielded his stricken leader with his own body.  When Sergeant Pagan-Lozada tried to pull the officer to safety, he was fatally wounded by enemy fire.  His unimpeachable valor and selfless sacrifice, while trying to save a fellow soldier, will serve as a source of lasting inspiration to all those who knew him.  Sergeant First Class Pagan-Lozada'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.