For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: On 31 January 1968, Major Maroscher was serving as the officer in charge of tactical operations for his battalion. He was participating in a battalion-minus reconnaissance in force operation in the suburbs of Saigon when, at approximately 1630 hours, the point element became subjected to intense automatic weapons and machine gun fire by an estimated reinforced platoon of Viet Cong concealed in several abandoned houses. The entire lead company was raked by the heavy fire which was intensified as the unit began assaulting the enemy positions. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Maroscher moved through the hail of hostile fire along the street and deployed the personnel of the command group into covered positions from which they could place maximum effective fire on the insurgents. While the command group put forth suppressive fire, another company participating in the operation moved to an adjacent street as Major Maroscher directed, and caught the enemy in a crossfire which neutralized many of their positions. The remnants of the insurgent force then escaped through the back streets. The courageous leadership and the brilliant tactical knowledge displayed by Major Maroscher during the extremely perilous situation were instrumental in greatly limiting American casualties, and were a major factor in the successful outcome of the encounter. Major Maroscher's unquestionable valor in close combat against a heavily armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army.