On this day in 1966, SSG Hilliard Carter (A/2-327) earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during Vietnam. Full citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Hilliard Carter, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Staff Sergeant Carter distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the night of 27 – 28 September, 1966. Throughout the night of 27 through 28 September 1966, Staff Sergeant Carter and members of his squad conducted an ambush in the vicinity of Troung Loung, Republic of Vietnam. There was evidence of a large enemy force in the area, since Company B had been overrun on the night of 25 September 1966, suffering numerous dead and wounded. While returning before dawn to friendly positions, the point man hit a booby-trapped grenade. Disregarding his own personal safety and possibly sacrificing his life, Staff Sergeant Carter pushed the point man away and dove for the grenade, absorbing the entire blast. In so doing he saved his men from possible death and wounds. Staff Sergeant Carter lost his hands, arms, and eye sight in this act. Throughout the entire time the medics and executive officer were administering first aid to save his life, all he kept asking was, “Are my men ok?” This gallant deed was truly above and beyond the call of duty and was in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment, the United States Army and the United States of America.