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U.S. Army Special Operations Command to Present Distinguished Service Cross

By Capt. AguilaJune 20, 2019

June 18, 2019

Media Advisory #19-006-001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- U.S. Army Special Operations Command will honor the valorous actions of retired Master Sgt., Larry L. Hawks, June 21, at 2 p.m., during a ceremony at John F. Kennedy Auditorium, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Hawks will receive the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the second highest military decoration awarded to a member of the U.S. Army. The USASOC commanding general, Lt. Gen. Fran Beaudette, will present the medal commemorating Hawk's actions, July 24 and July 25, 2005, in Afghanistan.

An excerpt from Hawks' award citation states, "Sgt. 1st Class Hawks, while conducting armed reconnaissance of a town, came under intense enemy small arms, rocket propelled grenade, and mortar fire. While moving to interdict enemy combatants attempting to reposition themselves on the high ground west of the village, he discovered one of his comrades was pinned down by enemy fire. Sgt. 1st Class Hawks, without regard for his own safety dismounted from his vehicle and charged toward the enemy position on the high ground. Under continuous fire, he engaged and neutralized the enemy position."

The DSC is awarded for extraordinary heroism: while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Media interested in attending this event must R.S.V.P. no later than 4 p.m. Thursday, June 20, with LaShawn Cox at lashawn.cox@socom.mil / (910) 432-6005 or Capt. Veronica Aguila at veronica.aguila@socom.mil / (910) 908-5528, for details on attendance.

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