DSC 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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Burnell Simmons (ASN: RA-14350143), 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 Battery A, 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Staff Sergeant Simmons distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 October 1967 while serving as chief of a howitzer section supporting ground operations near Tam Ky. Late at night, a large Viet Cong force savagely attacked his camp with mortars, rockets, and small arms. The speed and intensity of the enemy assault overran the outposts, but Sergeant Simmons dashed to the battery under heaviest attack and rallied his men to fight furiously against the determined onslaught. He was seriously wounded by exploding grenades when the insurgents reached the parapets of his gun emplacement, but he refused aid and prepared the gun for direct fire against the onrushing enemy. Completely ignoring his own safety, he stood up amidst the fierce barrage to locate the hostile troop concentrations and fire rounds which momentarily stunned the insurgents and drove them back. Despite the continued fire, he dashed into the open to treat the wounded men and carry them to safety. He moved through the intense barrage time after time to direct fire on the determined insurgents and continue treating the casualties. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men in the face of grave danger. His fearless leadership inspired his men to fight fiercely and repel the overwhelming Viet Cong attack. Staff Sergeant Simmons' 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.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Burnell Simmons (ASN: RA-14350143), 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 Battery A, 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Staff Sergeant Simmons distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 October 1967 while serving as chief of a howitzer section supporting ground operations near Tam Ky. Late at night, a large Viet Cong force savagely attacked his camp with mortars, rockets, and small arms. The speed and intensity of the enemy assault overran the outposts, but Sergeant Simmons dashed to the battery under heaviest attack and rallied his men to fight furiously against the determined onslaught. He was seriously wounded by exploding grenades when the insurgents reached the parapets of his gun emplacement, but he refused aid and prepared the gun for direct fire against the onrushing enemy. Completely ignoring his own safety, he stood up amidst the fierce barrage to locate the hostile troop concentrations and fire rounds which momentarily stunned the insurgents and drove them back. Despite the continued fire, he dashed into the open to treat the wounded men and carry them to safety. He moved through the intense barrage time after time to direct fire on the determined insurgents and continue treating the casualties. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men in the face of grave danger. His fearless leadership inspired his men to fight fiercely and repel the overwhelming Viet Cong attack. Staff Sergeant Simmons' 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.
DSC 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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Burnell Simmons (ASN: RA-14350143), 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 Battery A, 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Staff Sergeant Simmons distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 October 1967 while serving as chief of a howitzer section supporting ground operations near Tam Ky. Late at night, a large Viet Cong force savagely attacked his camp with mortars, rockets, and small arms. The speed and intensity of the enemy assault overran the outposts, but Sergeant Simmons dashed to the battery under heaviest attack and rallied his men to fight furiously against the determined onslaught. He was seriously wounded by exploding grenades when the insurgents reached the parapets of his gun emplacement, but he refused aid and prepared the gun for direct fire against the onrushing enemy. Completely ignoring his own safety, he stood up amidst the fierce barrage to locate the hostile troop concentrations and fire rounds which momentarily stunned the insurgents and drove them back. Despite the continued fire, he dashed into the open to treat the wounded men and carry them to safety. He moved through the intense barrage time after time to direct fire on the determined insurgents and continue treating the casualties. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men in the face of grave danger. His fearless leadership inspired his men to fight fiercely and repel the overwhelming Viet Cong attack. Staff Sergeant Simmons' 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.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Burnell Simmons (ASN: RA-14350143), 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 Battery A, 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Staff Sergeant Simmons distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 October 1967 while serving as chief of a howitzer section supporting ground operations near Tam Ky. Late at night, a large Viet Cong force savagely attacked his camp with mortars, rockets, and small arms. The speed and intensity of the enemy assault overran the outposts, but Sergeant Simmons dashed to the battery under heaviest attack and rallied his men to fight furiously against the determined onslaught. He was seriously wounded by exploding grenades when the insurgents reached the parapets of his gun emplacement, but he refused aid and prepared the gun for direct fire against the onrushing enemy. Completely ignoring his own safety, he stood up amidst the fierce barrage to locate the hostile troop concentrations and fire rounds which momentarily stunned the insurgents and drove them back. Despite the continued fire, he dashed into the open to treat the wounded men and carry them to safety. He moved through the intense barrage time after time to direct fire on the determined insurgents and continue treating the casualties. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men in the face of grave danger. His fearless leadership inspired his men to fight fiercely and repel the overwhelming Viet Cong attack. Staff Sergeant Simmons' 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.
Gravesite Details
S/SGT US ARMY
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