Donald R. Evans
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 28 February 1969, Private First Class Donald R. Evans was serving with Troop B, 3rd Squadron 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in South Vietnam.

On that day, PFC Evans was part of a reconnaissance-in-force mission in the Boi Loi Woods. PFC Evans' Troop B came under intense recoilless rifle and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an enemy force in well-concealed, fortified bunkers. As they advanced on the hostile emplacements, they were caught in a crossfire that threatened to halt their progress and divide them in half. PFC Evans jumped to his feet and assaulted a bunker, firing his rifle and hurling grenades that destroyed the fortification and killed its 5 occupants. The troop moved forward until it received heavy fire from another bunker. Again, PFC Evans ran toward the bunker firing his weapon and silencing the position with hand grenades. While his unit continued its penetration of the stronghold, he checked numerous enemy spider holes, and then voluntarily remained behind to provide covering fire with a machine gun while the troop withdrew to allow the use of artillery. PFC Evans' extraordinary heroism earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Donald R. Evans (ASN: RA-18867804), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop B, 3d Squadron 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Evans distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 February 1969 during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in the Boi Loi Woods. Private Evans' troop came under intense recoilless rifle and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an enemy force in well-concealed, fortified bunkers. As they advanced on the hostile emplacements, they were caught in a cross fire which threatened to stop their progress and divide them in half. Disregarding his safety, Private Evans sprang to his feet and assaulted a bunker, firing his rifle and hurling grenades which destroyed the fortification and killed its five occupants. The troop moved forward until it received heavy fire from another bunker. Private Evans again ran toward the bunker, firing his weapon and silencing the position with hand grenades. While his unit continued its penetration of the stronghold, he checked numerous enemy spider holes, and then voluntarily remained behind to provide covering fire with a machine gun when the troop withdrew to permit the use of artillery. Private First Class Evans' 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.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1619 (May 7, 1969)