Neighbors Honor Vietnam War Hero Dennis Steffensen

Distinguished Service Cross recipient recognized in intimate ceremony at Dickman Hall

Brackettville, Tx - On October 11, 2025, residents of Fort Clark Springs gathered for a heartfelt ceremony at Dickman Hall to honor one of their own — U.S. Army veteran Dennis Steffensen, a decorated Vietnam War hero whose courage in combat earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, the Purple Heart, and several other commendations for valor.

The event was organized by fellow Fort Clark resident and Army veteran Lee Gilby, who first met Dennis and his wife, Pat Steffensen, at Dickman Hall more than a year ago, sharing casual conversation over military experiences, until Pat encouraged Gilby to ask her husband about an award he received, which he would not otherwise have mentioned. Dennis is a recipient of The Distinguished Service Cross, “which is the second highest award in the United States Army,” Gilby explained. “It is only outranked by the Medal of Honor. I served 25 years in the Army and had never met anyone who had received that medal.”

Moved by Steffensen’s quiet humility and his extraordinary service, Gilby felt compelled to organize a ceremony recognizing his neighbor’s heroism. The small but meaningful gathering was attended by local residents and veterans, including Tully Welch, who described the experience as “a privilege to witness,” calling Steffensen “a true American patriot and hero.”

“Dennis Steffensen is a true hero who served our country with great honor and received the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in combat,” Gilby said. “On February 19, 1968, a 19-year-old young man risked his life to save many of his fellow soldiers in Vietnam. Let us never forget these men and women who gave all for all of us. God bless Dennis, and God bless the United States of America.”

The Distinguished Service Cross, established in 1918, is awarded for “extraordinary heroism” in combat, involving risk of life so exceptional as to set the individual apart from their comrades. It is second only to the Medal of Honor among U.S. Army decorations. Those who attended the ceremony said it was a moving reminder that acts of heroism are often carried quietly, without fanfare, among neighbors and friends. 

Originally published in the Kinney County Post, October 23, 2025