*ABERNETHY, WILLIAM FORMAN (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to William Forman Abernethy (0-5317216),
Captain (Armor), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain
Abernethy distinguished himself by intrepid actions on while serving
with Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. His
unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Winter Haven, Florida
AGUIRRE, SANTIAGO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Santiago Aguirre, Private First Class, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action. Private First Class Aguirre distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous action on 2 July 1967, while serving
as a Medical Aidman attached to Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during combat
operations near Tuy An, Republic of Vietnam. When two platoons of
Private First Class Aguirre's company came under fire from a well
entrenched enemy force, several casualties were suffered, including the
company commander. Immediately racing to the fallen commander's side,
Private First Class Aguirre did all he could for the officer before
removing him to the rear for medical evacuation. Instantly, Private
First Class Aguirre was forward again giving aid to the wounded while
receiving a hail of enemy small arms fire. Constantly moving from one
exposed position to another, he never stopped his work nor let his own
safety take precedence over the welfare of the men in need of his
services. His actions instilled confidence in all who observed him and
saved countless lives. Private First Class Aguirre's gallant action is
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and
reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile), General Orders No. 5377 (September 10, 1967)
*ALAKULPPI, VESA JUHANI (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Vesa Juhani Alakulppi (0-98573), Captain,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 14 May 1968 while
serving as Commanding Officer, Company C, 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry
Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of
Vietnam. On this date, Captain Alakulppi was in command of a ready
reaction force consisting of one rifle platoon and a mortar section
providing security for a large two-company base camp when an
unknown-size Viet Cong force attacked the perimeter with automatic
weapons, small arms and rocket fire. Reacting immediately, Captain
Alakulppi rallied his men to halt the enemy's advance. Realizing that,
because of adverse weather conditions air support was not available,
Captain Alakulppi repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire
in order to direct supporting artillery fire close to his company's
position. During the savage battle, without regard for his personal
safety, he continually moved about the perimeter, encouraging his men
and directing their fire. Realizing that his unit was isolated from
friendly reinforcements, Captain Alakulppi continued to provide dynamic
and aggressive leadership in the valiant defense of the base camp until
he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his courageous actions, he
inspired his men to grater efforts and enabled them to bring maximum
suppressive fire against the Viet Cong force and repel the enemy attack.
Captain Alakulppi's exceptional heroism and devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect
great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, II Field Force,
Vietnam, General Orders No. 601 (June 30, 1968)
Born: April 23, 1941 at Rovaniemi, Finland
Home Town: Seattle, Washington
*ALESHIRE, KENNETH EDWARD (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Kenneth Edward Aleshire (52811053),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Aleshire distinguished himself by
intrepid actions on while serving with Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th
Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. His unquestionable valor in
close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry
Division, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
ALLEN, ALAN W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Alan W. Allen (US-54508379), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 14 May 1968 in the
Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Allen distinguished himself by intrepid
actions while serving as team leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th
Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that
date, Company A was given the mission of assaulting a company of North
Vietnamese Regulars who were occupying well-fortified bunkers on a ridge
line 17 miles west of Tam Ky. As the company began assaulting the hill,
the insurgents opened fire with small arms, automatic weapons, heavy
machineguns, rockets, and 60-mm. mortars. While moving up the slope,
Sergeant Allen continuously exposed himself to the enemy fire. As he and
another member of his fire team closed on the bunkers, the enemy began
throwing hand grenades. Despite the exploding grenades, Sergeant Allen
was one of the first men to breach the enemy perimeter. Once inside the
enemy bunker line Sergeant Allen moved quickly and took several of the
bunkers under fire. During the ensuing engagement, Sergeant Allen was
personally credited with destroying five key enemy bunkers with hand
grenades, killing 11 insurgents, and capturing 13 enemy weapons.
Sergeant Allen's outstanding display of personal heroism and devotion to
duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 6385 (August 24, 1968)
*ALTHOFF, RODNEY EUGENE (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Rodney Eugene Althoff (RA-13858503),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Althoff distinguished himself by
intrepid actions on while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 27th
Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. His unquestionable valor in
close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry
Division, and the United States Army.
Home Town: York, Pennsylvania
*AMOS, JOE (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Joe Amos, Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam. Platoon Sergeant Amos distinguished himself
by intrepid actions on while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th
Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. His unquestionable valor in
close combat 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.
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
*ANDERSON, JAMES HOWARD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to James Howard Anderson (19646086), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam on 6 September 1968. Staff Sergeant Anderson
distinguished himself near the village of Ap Duong Trau Nho, Republic of
Vietnam, while serving as a platoon sergeant for Company A, 3d
Battalion, 187th Infantry. The Fourth Platoon of Company A was
maintaining a cordon around the village when an enemy force broke
through the center of the Company and flanking attacks were directed on
the Fourth Platoon. The position to Staff Sergeant Anderson's right was
hit by the enemy thrust. Although previously wounded himself, Staff
Sergeant Anderson lead a relief party against the enemy thrust, stopped
the first enemy flanking attack, and brought one of his wounded men to
safety. Realizing how seriously he was wounded, he refused medical aid
and propped himself against a rice paddy dike to continue firing upon
the enemy until he succumbed to his wounds. Staff Sergeant Anderson's
personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 101st Airborne
Division, General Orders No. 9228 (July 21, 1969)
Home Town: Anaheim, California
ANDERSON, JOHN THOMAS (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John Thomas Anderson (21903181), Master Sergeant
[then Sergeant First Class], U.S. Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in
connection with military operations against an opposing armed force
while serving with Detachment Number 5, American Forces Television
Station, Hue, South Vietnam, American Forces Radio-Television Network,
South Vietnam, Military Advisory Command, Republic of Vietnam, on 2
February 1968, during the Communist "Tet Offensive." When the
enemy (North Vietnamese Regulars) attempted a sneak armed attack upon
the quarters housing Detachment Number 5 personnel at Number 6 Tran Duc
Street, Hue, Master Sergeant Anderson, Non-Commissioned Officer in
Charge of the detachment, without hesitancy, courageously took an
uncovered position in the quarters living room. Armed with a shotgun he
defended this position for more than 16 hours against several enemy
attempts to gain entry into the house. During this period he was
severely wounded by enemy grenade fire and was under constant exposure
to enemy small arms fire. Throughout the ensuing battle, Sergeant First
Class Anderson was instrumental in warding off several enemy attempts to
overrun the detachment's position. He personally was responsible for
inflicting deadly fire on the attacking enemy forces, thereby rendering
a demoralizing effect on the attacking enemy force. His position was
later overrun and he was held as a Prisoner of War until his release on
5 March 1973. Master Sergeant Anderson's heroic actions are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the services and reflect great credit on
himself and the United States Army.
ANDERSON, JOHN THOMAS (POW)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to
John Thomas Anderson (21903181), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military
operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in
North Vietnam in May 1971. Ignoring international agreements on
treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical
cruelties to obtain information, confessions and propaganda materials.
Master Sergeant Anderson resisted their demands by calling upon his
deepest inner strengths in a manner which demonstrated great devotion to
duty and country in accord with the finest traditions of the military
services.
Born: December 8, 1930 at Torry, New
York
Home Town: Torry, New York
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Bronze Star, Purple Heart,
Prisoner of War Medal
*ANELLO, BRUCE FRANCIS (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Bruce Francis Anello (52808707), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Anello distinguished
himself by intrepid actions on 21 May 1968 while serving with Company D,
1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with
the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2848 (May 28, 1968)
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
*ARVIN, CARL ROBERT (KIA)
(First Award)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Carl Robert Arvin (OF-104601), Captain
(Infantry), [then First Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Advisory Team
162, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in action against the enemy
on 5 September 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Captain
Arvin was serving as Advisor to the 7th Vietnamese Airborne Battalion
when it came under intense mortar and small arms fire. Though wounded,
Captain Arvin disregarded the fierce fire and was leading his element
forward to engage the enemy when his radio operator was also wounded.
Captain Arvin dragged the soldier to safety and, undaunted by the
perilous circumstances, returned to direct repeated helicopter gunship
strikes. He refused his own medical evacuation until the objective was
secure and the mission complete. Captain Arvin's personal bravery and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
*ARVIN, CARL ROBERT (KIA)
(Second Award)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal
(Posthumously) to Carl Robert Arvin (OF-104601), Captain (Infantry),
[then First Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action while serving with Advisory Team 162, Military
Assistance Command, Vietnam, in action against the enemy on 8 October
1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date Captain Arvin's unit was
completing a sweep of a suspected enemy base when it encountered an
entrenched enemy regiment. Intense enemy fire pinned down his battalion
in an exposed, untenable position. In full view of the enemy Captain
Arvin valiantly moved through the fire to a forward vantage point.
There, as fighting raged about him, he directed extremely accurate,
close-range gunship passes onto enemy positions. As he continually moved
through fire-swept fields to position himself better to direct the
supporting fire, Captain Arvin was mortally wounded. His unremitting
attention to duty and superb direction of ground forces and supporting
aircraft had enabled his battalion to defeat a strong and determined
enemy three times its size. Captain Arvin's personal bravery and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Home Town: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam)
*ASCHENBRENNER, DENNIS DALE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Dennis Dale Aschenbrenner (0-5326519),
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action. First
Lieutenant Aschenbrenner distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
action on 2 July 1967, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A,
1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division,
during combat operations near the hamlet of Binh Do, Republic of
Vietnam. When his company came under intense enemy automatic weapons
fire, Lieutenant Aschenbrenner, with complete disregard for his own
safety, moved from his position of safety to the center of the battle
area. He exposed himself to the withering enemy fire as he placed a
blazing barrage on the enemy positions, drawing the enemy fire to
himself and allowing his men to reach safe positions. Even though his
weapon jammed, he continued to expose himself to the insurgent fire,
undoubtedly saving the lives of several men. While attempting to fix his
malfunctioning weapons, Lieutenant Aschenbrenner was struck and mortally
wounded by the enemy fire. His display of courageous leadership and
concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers was in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Born: January 12, 1942 at Belle Fourche,
South Dakota
Home Town: Lead, South Dakota
ASHLEY, MICHAEL H.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Michael H. Ashley, Private First Class, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Ashley
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 8 May 1968 while serving
with Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry
Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 4934 (August 31, 1968)
AULT, JOHN W., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John W. Ault, Jr., Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations on 13 April
1963, as a member of the Military Assistance Advisory Group, Vietnam.
Captain Ault was serving as an Advisor to a Vietnamese Airborne
Battalion when a helicopter landed in an opening in a dense jungle to
evacuate two soldiers who had been wounded by hostile forces. As the
helicopter landed, the northern-most company of the Battalion came under
a fierce attack, characterized by intense small arms fire, and suffered
heavy casualties. Captain Ault quickly waved the helicopter off the
ground, and then, with complete disregard for his own personal safety,
crossed an area swept by heavy small arms fire to reach a radio,
communicated with the helicopter personnel, and requested additional
support. Despite a wound from a hand grenade, he remained with the unit
to advise and encourage them, and by his inspiring leadership and
courageous actions, rallied the Vietnamese soldiers to hold their
position and pursue their defense efforts. Captain Ault's conspicuous
gallantry and unselfish actions are in the highest traditions of the
United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the
military service.
Department of the Army, General
Orders No. 49 (November 22, 1963)
BAHNSEN, JOHN C., JR.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John C. Bahnsen, Jr. (0-73597), Captain (Armor),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 2 February 1966
while serving as aircraft commander and fire team commander on an armed
UH-1B helicopter near Vuc Lien, Republic of Vietnam. After making visual
reconnaissance and providing overhead cover for the ground forces,
Captain Bahnsen landed his fire team in a supposedly secure area. While
being briefed by the ground commander, a Viet Cong force ambushed the
unit. At this time Captain Bahnsen fearlessly led his fire team through
intense automatic weapons fire to their aircraft, took off, daringly
attacked the enemy forces, and saved the Marine force from having heavy
casualties. When another company was ambushed, Captain Bahnsen
aggressively made low level attacks on the Viet Cong positions and,
while receiving intense hostile fire, evacuated three critically wounded
Marines. Upon returning from the evacuation mission, intense hostile
fire was received during a low level reconnaissance flight. Captain
Bahnsen dauntlessly made three firing passes on the insurgent positions,
called for artillery fire and, after exhausting his ordnance, rearmed
and returned to support the Marine force. Captain Bahnsen's courage
during ten hours of intense hostile fire was an inspiration to his men
and the Marine ground force. Captain Bahnsen's unimpeachable valor in
the face of intense fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.
BAHNSEN, JOHN C., JR.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to
John C. Bahnsen, Jr. (0-73597), Major (Armor), U.S. Army, for gallantry
in action while engaged in military operations involving conflicts with
an armed hostile forces on 17 October 1968 while serving as the
Commanding Officer of the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry
Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date elements of the 11th
Armored Cavalry Regiment engaged a company-sized North Vietnamese force
within the Ba Da secret zone. During the firefight, the friendly force
began receiving an intense concentration of automatic weapons fire from
the numerically superior enemy force and immediately called for
reinforcements. With the arrival of the friendly reinforcements, the
hostile elements began withdrawing into the dense jungle terrain. One
platoon from the 2d Mechanized Infantry Regiment and one aero rifle
platoon pursued the enemy elements for two kilometers, until they were
suddenly engaged by heavy automatic weapons fire from well-concealed
positions. Observing the enemy force from the air, Major Bahnsen began
directing highly-accurate suppressive fire into the North Vietnamese
Army positions. After making a number of passes, landed Major Bahnsen
positioned himself in front of the friendly forces, in full view of the
enemy elements, and began directing his troop's advancement on the
hostile positions. He was forced to seek cover when his position was
raked by a barrage of automatic weapons fire, but after directing his
gunship's fire onto the enemy force, he again exposed himself to the
enemy fire and with shouts of encouragement to his men, led them on an
all-out assault on the North Vietnamese positions, completely
overrunning and destroying the hostile elements. Major Bahnsen's
exceptional courage and aggressive leadership wore in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit and the United States Army.
BAHNSEN, JOHN C., JR.
(Third Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star
Medal to John C. Bahnsen, Jr. (0-73597), Major (Armor), U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force on 3 February 1969 while serving as
the Commanding Officer of the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored
Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while he was
conducting a routine reconnaissance mission, his aircraft suddenly began
receiving heavy automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed and
heavily-fortified enemy base camp. Reacting instantly, Major Bahnsen
returned to his base of operations, quickly assembled his Aero Rifle
Platoon, and returned to the contact area. After beginning an assault
upon the hostile position, he realized that the hostile fire was larger
than he had anticipated. He therefore called his troops back and
established a cordon around the hostile fortification. For the next
three hours, Major Bahnsen, under constant enemy fire, directed air and
artillery strikes against the enemy forces from his low flying aircraft.
While directing the bombardment of the area, he requested that a tank
company and an armored cavalry assault vehicles arrived, he directed
them into an assault formation and, disregarding his personal safety,
flew his aircraft at treetop level over the enemy positions in order to
effectively direct the final assault on the enemy base camp. When the
hostile fortifications had been overrun, Major Bahnsen observed a number
of enemy troops attempting to flee from the friendly forces. He
immediately landed his helicopter and directed an assaulted upon the
retreating enemy soldiers, killing one and capturing another. Major
Bahnsen's courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit and the United States Army.
BAHNSEN, JOHN C., JR.
(Fourth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Third
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star
Medal to John C. Bahnsen, Jr. (0-73597), Major (Armor), U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action on 29 May 1969, while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as
Commanding Officer of the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment,
in the Republic of Vietnam. When one of his troops was stopped by heavy
enemy fire and dense jungle, Major Bahnsen directed the ground action as
he made low passes over the contact area directing artillery, air
strikes and helicopter gunships against an entrenched enemy bunker
complex. Although his aircraft was repeatedly hit by ground fire, he
refused to leave the area or fly at a higher altitude. After being
forced to make an emergency landing at his base camp, he mounted a
mechanized flame thrower and with his headquarters command group of
cavalry assault vehicles moved under an air strike and through intense
enemy fire to the point of heaviest contact. There he reorganized his
ground teams by shouting instructions and encouragement to his troops.
After expending his flame thrower against bunkers, Major Bahnsen led a
dismounted attack against one bunker, clearing it with his rifle.
Realizing the need for additional force, he then called in air strikes.
As the enemy broke contact, Major Bahnsen then organized a hasty
defensive position for the night among the enemy bunkers. Major
Bahnsen's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
BAHNSEN, JOHN C., JR.
(Fifth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Silver Star
Medal to John C. Bahnsen, Jr. (0-73597), Major (Armor), U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force on 6 September 1969 while serving
as Commanding Officer of the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry
Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Major Bahnsen was
flying in his command and control helicopter when he was informed of
contact involving one of the squadron's troops nearby. He made low-level
flights over the area while helping to direct the ground forces.
Learning that the troop commander had been seriously wounded, he
directed his pilot to land. When he landed, he discovered five prisoners
had been captured and he helped to load them on the ship with the
commander. Major Bahnsen remained on the ground to direct the forces.
Mounting an armored cavalry assault vehicle, he led his men, forcing the
enemy to break contact and resulting in sixty-nine enemy killed in
action. Major Bahnsen's actions were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Personal Awards: DSC (Vietnam), 5@ SS
(Vietnam)
BAIRD, WILLIAM A. (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William A. Baird, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military
operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in
North Vietnam during the period November 1970 through March 1973.
Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the
enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information,
confessions and propaganda materials. Staff Sergeant Baird resisted
their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner
which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and
the United States Army.
Born: June 7, 1949 at Wooster, Ohio
Home Town: Cleveland, Ohio
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Bronze Star, Army Commendation
Medal, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal
BARB, MANVILLE L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Manville L. Barb, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for
heroic actions on 28 October 1967, while serving as a platoon leader
with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry on a combat operation in
the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Barb's unit assaulted a strongly
fortified Viet Cong base camp in the Boi Loi Woods and sustained
numerous casualties during the assault. Lieutenant Barb led his men on a
second assault in an attempt to eliminate a key enemy bunker which was
inflicting heavy casualties upon the friendly forces. Although aware
that the position was covered by enemy sniper fire, he personally led
his platoon forward while skillfully deploying his men into an assault
line. In the gathering dusk, Lieutenant Barb initiated the assault by
firing his weapon and throwing hand grenades upon the hostile
emplacements. Completely disregarding the intense enemy fire, Lieutenant
Barb continued to move forward while encouraging his men and directing
their fire. Having obtained a position within twenty feet of the enemy
emplacements, Lieutenant Barb was mortally wounded by the intense
hostile fire. Due to Lieutenant Barb's valorous actions and outstanding
leadership, the enemy positions were overrun and the mission
successfully completed. Lieutenant Barb's personal bravery,
aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States
Army.
Home Town: Ohio
BARBER, BILLY J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Billy J. Barber (RA-13433945), Platoon Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an
armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Platoon Sergeant Barber
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 August
1968 while serving as the Aero rifle Platoon Sergeant of Troop A, 3rd
Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade, on a reconnaissance in
force mission. After his unit had been inserted to block a possible
enemy escape route, they came into heavy contact with a Viet Cong force
and Sergeant Barber courageously exposed himself to the hostile fire as
he maneuvered his men in an assault on the enemy emplacements. After he
had secured this area, another unit was inserted and he and his men were
moved to another area where they again made contact. When the enemy
tried to outflank them in their new position, Sergeant Barber again
exposed himself to the hostile fire as he directed gunship strikes,
which halted the enemy advance. Platoon Sergeant Barber's extraordinary
heroism in close combat against a armed hostile force is in keeping with
the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
BARTLEY, CLAUDE O.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Claude O. Bartley (RA-11382054), Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Bartley distinguished himself by
intrepid actions on 8 February 1968 while serving as a Squad Leader with
Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade,
Americal Division. On that date, the company came under intense enemy
automatic weapons and mortar fire from their front and right flank while
conducting a search and clear mission south of DaNang. During the
initial action, the lead platoon sustained heavy casualties and the rest
of the company was pinned down by the devastating enemy fire. Sergeant
Bartley immediately ordered his squad to withdraw to a more secure
position. Realizing that their position was untenable, he then ordered
his men to maneuver to the rear, as he assisted three wounded squad
members over 200 meters amidst heavy enemy fire to reach a safe area. As
soon as several of the hostile positions were knocked out, Sergeant
Bartley expertly reorganized his remaining squad members and returned
through the intense enemy small arms fire to rescue other members of his
company who were wounded and lying in exposed locations. His courageous
actions contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy force in
which 207 enemy soldiers were killed. Staff Sergeant Bartley's
unquestionable valor and dauntless determination in close combat against
a numerically superior hostile force are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2448 (May 10, 1968)
BARTON, LESTER D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Lester D. Barton (327326132), Sergeant First Class,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with
military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.
Sergeant First Class Barton distinguished himself by intrepid actions on
11 November 1969 while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division, during an enemy attack on Landing Zone Jerri, Republic of
Vietnam. When the landing zone came under intense rocket and mortar
attack, Sergeant First Class Barton left the safety of his bunker and
moved through the hail of hostile fire administering first aid to the
wounded. Throughout the night he went from position to position with
complete disregard for his own safety, assisting numerous casualties and
evacuating them to safety. Sergeant First Class Barton's extraordinary
heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force is in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great
credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No 14823 (November 22, 1969)
Home Town: Zion, Illinois
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Soldier's Medal, 2@ Air Medals,
Bonze Star w/V, 2@ Army Commendation Medals
BAXLEY, WILLIAM J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William J. Baxley, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Baxley
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 6 March 1968 while
Commanding the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry
Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 1699 (March 31, 1968)
BEAN, ROBERT W.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Robert W. Bean, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Bean
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 17 February 1968 while
serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in close
combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 8829 (November 15, 1968)
*BEDNARZ, WILLIAM WALTER (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to William Walter Bednarz (54809573), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat
against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving
with Company C, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Private First Class Bednarz distinguished himself by heroic actions on
16 May 1967 near Ap Rach Gau (2), Republic of Vietnam, while serving as
a machine gunner when his company was engaged in a night assault against
a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Immediately upon debarking the
aircraft, Private Bednarz's platoon became separated from the rest of
the company and came under heavy enemy machine gun and automatic weapons
fire from the front and left flank. Private Bednarz demonstrated great
personal courage as he assaulted the enemy positions and delivered a
continuous and effective volume of fire. At one point, Private Bednarz
engaged a sniper who had stopped the movement of the company and had the
company commander and his radio operator pinned down in a open field.
After killing the enemy sniper, Private Bednarz shifted his fire to an
automatic weapon position threatening the company's left flank. He took
up a position on a berm and fired his weapon from the shoulder to place
more effective fire on the enemy. While performing this hazardous
mission, Private Bednarz was mortally wounded. Private Bednarz acted
with great courage and determination in the face of intense enemy fire.
His heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself,
his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
*BEETS, RONNIE D. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ronnie D. Beets (442381894), Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in
military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam on 13 August 1967, while serving as a member of Company B, 2d
Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne
Division. Specialist Four Beets was serving as a machine gunner with his
platoon when it came under extremely heavy attack while moving from
Landing Zone White near Chu Lai. He manned a position on the perimeter,
putting effective fire upon the enemy. During the night, the numerically
superior North Vietnamese Army force mounted a full scale attack with
mortars, rockets, grenades, automatic and small arms fire. Specialist
Beets' position became a prime target, and he was seriously wounded in
both legs by grenades and rockets. When the medic came forward to treat
him, he refused treatment and told the medic to roll him over to this
gun. Once in position, although in great pain, he again began to fire
upon the enemy. He remained in position under the withering hail of
enemy fire with complete disregard for his safety and injuries, until
the enemy had been beaten back. Only then did he allow himself medical
treatment. In the morning, six enemy bodies were found with twenty
meters of his position. Specialist Beets' outstanding display of heroism
in action and his devotion to duty were in the highest traditions of
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Headquarters, I Field Force, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 983 (December 23, 1967)
Home Town: Odessa, Texas
*BEST, HUGH ELROY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Hugh Elroy Best (0-5433360), First
Lieutenant (Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action involving
close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam
while assigned to Battery A, 2d Battalion, 4th Artillery, 9th Infantry
Division. First Lieutenant Best distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 25 January 1969 while serving as a Forward Observer
with Company C, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in
force mission northwest of Tan An. After the lead elements of the
company became pinned down by a murderous barrage of hostile fire,
Lieutenant Best courageously moved forward with the command group to
rescue the beleaguered men. When the company commander was mortally
wounded, he immediately took command and repeatedly exposed himself to
the fusillade as he maneuvered against the enemy emplacements. Upon
reaching the forward element, Lieutenant Best began to administer first
aid to a stricken soldier, but was then gravely wounded himself. He
later succumbed to the wound received during his valiant actions. First
Lieutenant Best's extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed
hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry
Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 1255 (February 5, 1969)
Home Town: Tarboro, North Carolina
BLACK, DONALD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Donald Black (US-52688035), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 21 March 1968 in the
Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Black distinguished himself by intrepid
actins while serving as a rifleman in the Reconnaissance Platoon,
Company E, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade,
Americal Division during a combined infantry-armored cavalry sweep in
Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province. While searching the hamlet of Ap
Bon (1), his platoon suddenly came under intense fire from an enemy
force of undetermined size. As the enemy fire increased in intensity, it
became necessary for his unit to move back to permit supporting fire to
be placed on the enemy's fortified position; however, several of the
elements were unable to move from their position. After locating four
other en from the platoon who were also pinned down, Sergeant Black
immediately took charge and began leading them to rejoin the main body
and to continue their mission of closing with the enemy. As his element
moved back, they were quickly joined by other elements until they
reached the rest of the platoon. The initiative and indomitable courage
displayed by Sergeant Black contributed immeasurably to the rapid
regrouping of the platoon and to the ultimate defeat of a determined and
numerically superior enemy force. Sergeant Black's unquestionable valor
in close combat with a numerically superior enemy force is in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military and reflect great credit
upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2424 (May 10, 1968)
BLAGG, THOMAS E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Thomas E. Blagg, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a
Special Forces "A" Detachment Commander on 30 August 1965. On
that date Captain Blagg was leading a 30-man combat patrol along the
Song So Ha River which forms the border between Cambodia and South
Vietnam. At a bend in the river, the patrol was ambushed by a battalion-
size North Vietnamese Army (NVA) unit from dug-in positions on the
Cambodian side. Most lead elements of the patrol were killed in initial
contact. Captain Blagg's Vietnamese interpreter was badly wounded.
Captain Blagg contacted his Special Forces camp by radio and directed
that reinforcements from the camp deploy immediately to a linkup point
near the ambush site. He then strapped his wounded interpreter to his
back and began to disengage his patrol from the enemy force using fire
and maneuver. As his patrol conducted a fighting withdrawal to the
linkup point with reinforcements, the North Vietnamese force pursued
across the river into South Vietnam. Soon, the fight became very close
combat, hand to hand in some cases. During the fight, Captain Blagg was
wounded in the face and his right arm was shattered by an enemy's
bullet. Captain Blagg, although seriously wounded, continued to fight
his patrol back to linkup with reinforcements. Once linkup was achieved,
Captain Blagg reversed the tide of battle by launching an attack into
the enemy force, killing many of them, and driving the remainder back
into Cambodia. Based on the number of enemy bodies, blood trails, and
captured enemy weapons, Captain Blagg's force killed or wounded the
enemy at a rate of six to one, despite being, initially, the ambushed
force. Not until the battle had been fought and won was Captain Blagg
evacuated for medical treatment of his almost fatal wounds. Captain
Blagg's heroic actions in battle were in keeping with the highest
standards of the American soldier and reflect great credit upon him and
the United States Army.
Home Town: Arkansas
BLISS, DAVID F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to David F. Bliss (US-54958419), Sergeant [then
Specialist Fourth Class], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Bliss distinguished
himself by intrepid actions on 8 February 1968 while serving as a
rifleman in Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his company was
moving to establish a blocking position near Lien Lac (2) when they
suddenly came under intense fire from an enemy force of undetermined
size. Immediately, his platoon leader and Sergeant Bliss' squad moved in
an attempt to outflank the enemy who had another platoon pinned down. As
they moved towards the pinned down element, several North Vietnamese
Army soldiers were chased from cover and engaged with friendly fire. As
they approached a hut in a small clearing, the enemy launched an attack
on his squad, seriously wounding the platoon leader and squad leader. As
Sergeant Bliss' squad pulled back, two enemy soldiers attacked the
wounded squad leader. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Bliss ran to
aid his comrade and successfully stopped the enemy with his accurate
suppressive fire. He then joined a group that was providing cover for
the withdrawal back across the open rice paddies. When all of the
wounded were safely across, these brave men moved back to safety.
Sergeant Bliss' personal bravery and unselfish concern for his fellow
soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 3559 (June 30, 1968)
BONNELYCKE, CLYDE L.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to
Clyde L. Bonnelycke (US-MC-1806071/USA-1806021), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.
Sergeant Bonnelycke distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
action on 13 July 1969, while serving as the Platoon Leader of the
Second Platoon, Company D, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a search and clear
mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. Moving down a trail
the point element was ambushed with mines, machine- guns, and small arms
fire. The initial contact inflicted numerous wounds upon the members of
Sergeant Bonnelycke's platoon. Realizing that there was no base of fire
from which a counter attack could be launched, he moved to his wounded
machinegunner and picked up the weapon. Laying down an effective base of
fire, he enabled his platoon to mount their attack. When Sergeant
Bonnelycke had expended all his ammunition, he immediately seized
several grenades and engaged an enemy bunker, silencing it with accurate
throws. His valorous actions allowed five members of the platoon to be
evacuated and caused the enemy ambush to be broken. His gallant action
is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service, and
reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile), General Orders No. 10412 (August 26, 1969)
BONNELYCKE, CLYDE L.
(Third Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star
Medal to Clyde L. Bonnelycke (US-MC-1806071/USA-1806021), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Bonnelycke distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions in 12 August 1969, while serving as a
Platoon Sergeant with Company D, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in Tay Ninh Province,
Republic of Vietnam. When the base came under an intense rocket, mortar,
and ground attack, Staff Sergeant Bonnelycke left the safety of his
bunker and went to a bunker which had suffered a direct hit. Pulling the
wounded personnel to safety, he raced to the berm and placed suppressive
fire on the enemy with a machine gun. When that ran out of ammunition,
he made his way to another gun, where he continued his suppressive fire.
Disregarding his wounds, he continually made his way back to the berm
placing effective fire on the enemy, and helped carry the wounded
personnel to safety. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile), General Orders No. 5044 (April 4, 1970)
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
Personal Awards: Silver Star-Navy Award (Vietnam), Silver Star-Army
Award (Vietnam)
BOOK, FLOYD GORDON, JR.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to
Floyd Gordon Book, Jr. (US-MC-2130395), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Book distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous action on 7 September 1969, while serving as a
Medical Aidman with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in the Republic of Vietnam.
When his unit made heavy contact with a large enemy force, Specialist
Fourth Class Book, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved
forward to the point of most intense conflict and began assisting with
return fire. When he noticed an enemy soldier about to throw a grenade
into a concentration of friendly forces, he reacted quickly exposing
himself to heavy fire in order to kill the enemy. On numerous occasions,
Specialist Fourth Class Book assisted in knocking out enemy positions,
using his knowledge of the enemy's language to encourage their
surrender. His display of personal bravery and devotion to duty is in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and
reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.
Home Town: Hammond, Indiana
Personal Awards: Silver Star-Navy Award (Vietnam)
*BOULWARE, GEORGE W. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to George W. Boulware, Sergeant First Class,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Boulware
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 16 September 1971 while
serving with Advisory Team 91, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. His
unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, and the United States
Army.
Home Town: Detroit, Michigan
BOWERS, ARNOLD C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Arnold C. Bowers, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations on 2
January 1963, as a member of the Military Assistance Advisory Group,
Vietnam. While serving as an Advisor to a Vietnamese Infantry Company,
Sergeant Bowers, with complete disregard for his own personal safety,
exposed himself to intense small arms and automatic rifle fire to rescue
an unconscious pilot of a downed helicopter, and to render first aid to
a seriously wounded helicopter crew member. He then moved rapidly from
position to position along the firing line, assisting and encouraging
his Vietnamese comrades to hold their position and to pursue their
defense efforts. His courageous action, personal example, and dedicated
devotion to duty served to stabilize the defense actions of the
Vietnamese unit he was advising. Sergeant Bower's conspicuous gallantry
is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects
great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General
Orders No. 52 (December 18, 1963)
BRADBURY, THOMAS E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Thomas E. Bradbury (0-5340138), Second Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Bradbury distinguished
himself by intrepid actions on 21 March 1968 while serving as Platoon
Leader for the Reconnaissance Platoon of the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry
Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his
platoon was on a search and clear mission near the village of Ap Bon (1)
when they came under intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy force
estimated at company size. Since the company commander was wounded and
evacuated during the initial action, Lieutenant Bradbury assumed command
of the unit comprised of an infantry-cavalry team. Realizing his
position was untenable, he immediately reorganized his forces by pulling
the infantry back on line with the attacked tracks. Repeatedly exposing
himself to hostile fire, Lieutenant Bradbury disregarded his own safety
to effectively direct helicopter gunships, medevac helicopters, and his
combined infantry and cavalry forces against the well-constructed enemy
positions. Lieutenant Bradbury continually exposed himself to the
withering hail of enemy fire as his forces counterattacked the
numerically superior hostile force. As a result of his competent
leadership and professionalism, Lieutenant Bradbury's men successfully
overran the enemy, killing 17 of the insurgents. Second Lieutenant
Bradbury's unquestionable valor in close combat against a numerically
superior hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal
Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2451 (May 11, 1968)
BRADLEY, MAX D.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Max D. Bradley, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Bradley distinguished himself by
intrepid actions on 8 February 1968 while serving with Company C, 1st
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with
the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 1682 (March 30, 1968)
BRANDE, HARVEY GORDON (POW)
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Harvey Gordon Brande (RA-19507308), Sergeant First
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-101, Company C, 5th
Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant First
Class Brande distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on
6 and 7 February 1968, as Platoon Leader of a Vietnamese strike force
defending against an attack on the Lang Vei Special Forces camp. Enemy
sappers and infantrymen initiated an assault on the perimeter under the
cover of darkness, and they were quickly followed by communist tanks.
Firing furiously, Sergeant Brande killed two of the sappers and his
platoon dispersed the remainder. The hostile armor quickly broke through
the outer perimeter, and he engaged them with grenades and anti-tank
weapons. Braving withering machine gun and cannon fire, he and his men
fought determinedly for over an hour before they were forced to pull
back to secure the inner defensive perimeter. His accurate fire
destroyed two enemy tanks before he withdrew. Sergeant First Class
Brande's gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, United States Army
Vietnam, General Orders No. 1915 (April 25, 1968)
Born: November 13, 1936 at Long Beach, California
Home Town: Los Angeles, California
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), Soldiers Medal, 2@ Bronze
Stars w/V, Air Medal, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal
BRENNAN, FRANCIS X.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Francis X. Brennan (OF-110612), Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8 February
1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Brennan distinguished himself
by intrepid actions while directing his company on a search and clear
mission south of DaNang. At approximately 1230 hours, elements of his
unit came under heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from an enemy
force consisting of close to 300 soldiers. The company was immediately
pinned down and sustained numerous casualties. Captain Brennan
unhesitatingly crawled through the deadly fire to his radio operator,
who had been wounded, and ordered the company to withdraw. Shortly
thereafter, he was seriously wounded in the lower back, but he gallantly
continued in his efforts to withdraw his element and reorganize them for
a new assault on the enemy positions. Using only his elbows, Captain
Brennan dragged himself 300 meters in order to set up his men in a
defensive perimeter. Although suffering from a great loss of blood, he
was determined to continue his mission as he exposed himself to the
intense enemy fire to direct gunships and air strikes against the
hostile emplacements. Captain Brennan refused to be evacuated until he
was assured that his company was in a secure defensive position. Captain
Brennan's competent leadership, professionalism, and outstanding
dedication to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal
Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2447 (May 10, 1968)
BRIDGES, CLIFFORD E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Clifford E. Bridges, Specialist Fifth Class, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Bridges distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 December 1967, as a
Combat Medic of an Ambulance Helicopter of the 45th Medical Company,
68th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade, on a rescue mission near Cu
Chi. His helicopter received an urgent request to evacuate twelve
seriously wounded men and immediately flew to the battle area. The
mission was undertaken by the crew despite the knowledge that several
rescue ships had previously been shot down in the area. The pilot made
an unhampered landing and Specialist Fifth Class Bridges began loading
the patients. Murderous enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire
suddenly erupted from a nearby tree line, riddling his helicopter. With
four casualties loaded, the pilot ordered Specialist Fifth Class Bridges
to climb aboard and took off to prevent further damage to the ship. The
hostile barrage in the landing zone ceased, and the helicopter returned
to rescue the remainder of the casualties. The enemy force launched a
second fusillade on his ship, and he was wounded as rounds tore into the
craft. Ignoring his wound and mounting damage to the helicopter, he
remained on the ground until all of the injured were loaded. The pilot
then took off and skillfully nursed the badly crippled ship to an
airfield. Specialist Fifth Class Bridges' gallantry in action was in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects
great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
*BRILLO, ALBERT, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Albert Brillo, Jr. (13864068), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 1
November 1967 while serving as the squad leader of a weapons recovery
team with Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry
Division. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Brillo led his
squad into the woods four times to recover weapons that had been left by
men who were wounded or killed earlier in the day. Although the enemy
automatic weapons and rifle grenade fire was extremely heavy, Sergeant
Brillo continued his mission until he was mortally wounded. Sergeant
Brillo's courageous actions were of immeasurable value in the recovery
of weapons and the successful completion of the mission. His personal
bravery, aggressiveness, and disregard for his own safety in his quest
to accomplish his mission are in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 4761 (December 10, 1967)
Home Town: Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
*BROWNING, GARY LEE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Gary Lee Browning, Specialist Fourth Class,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while
serving as a Medical Aidman with the 2nd platoon of Company D, 1st
Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, in action
against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 September 1968.
On that date, Company D, was engaged on a combat operation near the
village of Go Tro. When his platoon leader was wounded by machinegun
fire from an enemy ambush, Specialist Browning immediately ran to his
aid, heedless of the danger around him, he continued to apply first aid
until he was struck and mortally wounded by an enemy .30 caliber
machinegun bullet. Specialist Four Browning's personal heroism,
unselfish concern for his fellow soldiers and devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect
great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States
Army.
Home Town: Hutchinson, Kansas
BUCKLEY, EUGENE L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Eugene L. Buckley (US-67032574), Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving
with Company C, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action
on 17 April 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist
Fourth Class Buckley was serving with his Engineer Company when his unit
was requested to provide assistance for a regiment of the Army of the
Republic of Vietnam which desperately needed to have a landing zone cut
in the thick jungle near its night defensive position to facilitate the
evacuation of approximately 50 casualties. Specialist Buckley
unhesitatingly volunteered for the mission, although he realized that it
involved being airlifted in to hostile territory in the darkness. At
approximately 0200 hours, he was lowered from a hovering helicopter by a
60 foot rope into the jungle near Tan Uyen. The South Vietnamese
defensive position was receiving continuous small arms fire at this
time, and he was an extremely vulnerable target during his descent into
the unsecured area. Specialist Buckley contacted the friendly elements
and worked through the night to clear the vital landing zone. During
this time he was constantly endangered by hostile fire, but this did not
deter him from completing his task. His courageous initiative and calm
perseverance were major factors enabling the numerous casualties to be
evacuated from the remote area. Specialist Fourth Class Buckley's
unquestionable valor while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an insurgent force is in keeping with the finest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 7769 (August 3, 1968)
*BURKE, EARL F. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Earl F. Burke (RA-13290409), Sergeant First
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Burke distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 6 and 7 February 1968, while serving
with Detachment A-101, Company C, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne),
1st Special Forces, during an attack on the Lang Vei camp. Enemy forces
launched a coordinated late night tank and ground attack on the
compound. Sergeant Burke braved devastating fire to help deliver a
highly effective mortar barrage on the attackers. North Vietnamese tanks
placed fierce fire on the manned outer defensive positions and overran
the perimeter. Seeing that his mortar was ineffective because of its
close proximity to the hostile armor, he secured several anti-tank
weapons, closed to point blank range with the tanks, and destroyed one
with ravaging fire before expending his ammunition. He then withdrew to
a preplanned defensive position and continued his fierce fight. Sergeant
First Class Burke's gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, U.S. Army Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2129 (May 8, 1968)
Home Town: Uniontown, Pennsylvania
BURKS, HOMER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Homer Burks (RA-18450851), Platoon Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8 February 1968
in the Republic of Vietnam. Platoon Sergeant Burks distinguished himself
by intrepid actions while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th
Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that
date, his company was conducting a search and clear operation of a
reinforced Viet Cong battalion which threatened the vast military
complex at DaNang. While crossing an open rice paddy to reach a small
hamlet, the company suddenly came under heavy enemy automatic weapons
and mortar fire from their front and right flank. During the initial
action, several members of the lead platoon were killed or wounded and
the rest of the company was pinned down. Sergeant Burks and his men
immediately began crawling to the rear in search of cover and had moved
only 50 meters when the company commander was seriously wounded.
Sergeant Burks immediately took control of the men and expertly directed
their movement. With complete disregard for his own safety, he went to
the aid of his wounded commander and exposed himself to the intense fire
while moving him to a safe position. After reorganizing his platoon and
setting up a defensive perimeter, Sergeant Burks continued to inform the
commander of the situation and redistributed the badly needed
ammunition. Throughout the battle, he personally directed the fire of
his men and marked targets for gunships while the last of the wounded
men were being extracted from the killing zone. Platoon Sergeant Burks'
unquestionable valor while in close combat with a numerically superior
enemy force and unselfish concern for his fellow comrades are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2834 (May 28, 1968)
*BUSH, JOSEPH KERR, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Joseph Kerr Bush, Jr. (OF-109695), Captain
(Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action above and beyond the
call of duty while serving as Assistant Army Attaché in Muong Soui,
Laos, on 10 February 1969. On the morning of that date, the quarters
occupied by Captain Bush and his operations sergeant were attacked by an
enemy force of 20 North Vietnamese Commandos using grenades, small arms,
machine guns, B40 rockets and satchel charges. Captain Bush, realizing
that only he and his sergeant were adequately armed to offer protection
to the other Americans in the compound and who were without protective
cover, quickly decided to establish a defensive position within the
compound from which he could suppress enemy fire. Covering each other
with protective fire and throwing grenades into the North Vietnamese
positions, both attempted to reach the pre-selected position and to draw
enemy fire and attention. The sergeant was seriously wounded short of
reaching the new position. Captain Bush, without hesitation, attempted
single-handedly to attack the enemy raiders, firing as he advanced and
killing two of the enemy. It was during this assault that Captain Bush
was mortally wounded. The heroism displayed by Captain Bush in giving
his life while drawing enemy fire away from his fallen comrade and the
other Americans enabled the sergeant to escape. Captain Bush's
conspicuous gallantry, exceptional heroism and intrepidity at the cost
of his own life are in the highest traditions of the military service,
and his gallant actions reflect great credit upon him and upon the
United States Army.
Home Town: Temple, Texas
CAGGIANO, ANTHONY F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Anthony F. Caggiano (OF-103237), First Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in connection with military
operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, on 22
January 1967. On this date, Lieutenant Caggiano was serving as Platoon
Leader for the 2d Platoon of Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry
Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. While moving over dense, hilly
terrain, the unit made contact with an estimated reinforced North
Vietnamese company armed with automatic weapons. The 1st and 2d Platoons
were deployed to the left flank to relieve the pressure on the lead
platoon. The order came down from the Company Commander to withdraw
because of an incoming air strike. Lieutenant Caggiano realized that he
had to eliminate the enemy position to enable his platoon to pull back.
Without hesitation, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he
continuously exposed himself to the enemy fire, while placing effective
fire on the enemy position. His unrelenting assault resulted in his
silencing the guns long enough for his platoon to pull back. After the
air strike, he brought his platoon on line and attacked the hostile
position, and overran it. His calm leadership and personal courage were
an inspiration to all the men in his platoon. First Lieutenant
Caggiano's outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty and
personal bravery is in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and
the United States Army.
*CALLAHAN, MICHAEL PATRICK (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Michael Patrick Callahan (51984951),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action in the
Republic of Vietnam on 6 June 1969. Specialist Callahan distinguished
himself while serving as a team leader in Company B, 1st Battalion
(Airmobile), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, during the conduct
of a search and clear operation near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam. On the
cited date, the lead element of Company B was attempting to capture a
North Vietnamese Army soldier who gave the pretense of surrender. While
capturing the insurgent, the company came under heavy enemy machine gun
fire from a nearby position. Realizing that the hostile emplacement must
be silenced, Specialist Callahan began to place suppressive fire on the
insurgents. Encouraging his men to do likewise, he remained in the open
while attempting to gain fire superiority as another element of the
company was maneuvering to outflank the insurgents. With complete
disregard for his own safety, Specialist Callahan continued to divert
the enemy fire, thus providing cover for the main maneuvering element.
It was during this courageous act that he was mortally wounded by
hostile machine gun fire. His outstanding leadership and courage were a
major factor in saving many of his men from injury or possible death.
Specialist Callahan's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect
great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Wildwood Crest, New Jersey
CAMACHO, ISAAC (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Isaac Camacho (RA--18468655), Sergeant First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action as a Prisoner of War, on 13 July
1965, in the Republic of Vietnam. After four days in the jungle and
rivers of South Vietnam, avoiding numerous enemy patrols and fighting
snakes and leeches, Sergeant First Class Camacho reached an allied
outpost becoming the first American Prisoner of War to escape from enemy
forces in Vietnam. All of this (was) following a period in excess of
nineteen months held in captivity. Sergeant First Class Camacho's daring
escape galvanized the spirit and resistance for both his fellow
prisoners and for United States Forces in Southeast Asia. Sergeant First
Class Camacho's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit on himself, his unit and the United States
Army.
Headquarters: Department of the Army,
General Orders 25 (8 June 2001)
Home Town: Fabens, Texas
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (Vietnam), Silver Star
(Vietnam), Bronze Star, 2@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal
CARLSON, ALBERT EDWIN (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Albert Edwin Carlson (0-99143), Major (Field
Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action during the period 5 to 7
April 1972, while serving as the Deputy Senior Advisor to the 9th
Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of
Vietnam. On 5 April 1972, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched
a major offensive with the objective of capturing Binh Long Province in
Military Region 3. The 5th Viet Cong Division was targeted against Loc
Ninh, the capital of Loc Ninh District in Northern Binh Long Province.
The 5th Viet Cong Division launched a massive ground attack against Loc
Ninh beginning early in the morning of 5 April 1972. The attack was
supported by artillery and tanks. Major Carlson skillfully directed
tactical airstrikes and helicopter gunships in support of the 9th
Infantry. Regimental and other South Vietnamese Forces in the area.
During the battle Major Carlson fought magnificently. Time and again he
directed the fighters, bombers, gunships and artillery fire on top of
his own position to drive off the attacking enemy. The combination of
Major Carlson's courage and professional skill coupled with all
available firepower kept the numerically superior enemy at bay for more
than two days. Despite the valiant efforts of the defenders, the city of
Loc Ninh was completely overrun by the enemy on 7 April 1972, but Major
Carlson through his courageous actions extracted a horrendous price from
the enemy for their tactical accomplishment. Major Carlson's conspicuous
gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the
United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the
military service.
Born: May 16, 1930 at San Lorenzo,
California
Home Town: San Lorenzo, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), 3@ Bronze Stars w/V, Air Medal,
2@ Army Commendation Medals, 3@ Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal
*CARPENTER, FRED W. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Fred W. Carpenter (55885165), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st
Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, at Hoa Tan,
Republic of Vietnam, on 6 March 1967. As Sergeant Carpenter and his
company approached the village, heavy fire was received from Viet Cong
positions. Realizing that his unit was in a precarious position, Sgt
Carpenter immediately maneuvered his squad into position from which it
could place effective fire on the enemy. Then with complete disregard
for his personal safety, he charged forward and silenced a heavily
fortified enemy bunker with two grenades. With this bunker eliminated,
the platoon was able to maneuver once more. Throughout the entire
encounter, Sgt Carpenter continued to direct his squad, personally
positioning and directing the fire of individual members. His heroic
actions and decisive leadership contributed to the accomplishment of the
unit's mission. Sergeant Carpenter's outstanding display of
aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery is in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great
credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Hobart, Indiana
CARRIER, ERNIE L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Ernie L. Carrier, Second Lieutenant (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Carrier
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 19 April 1968 while serving
with Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry
Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2336 (July 29, 1968)
*CAVANAUGH, EDWARD JOSEPH (KIA)
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal
(Posthumously) to Edward Joseph Cavanaugh (0-28499), Colonel (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action on 29 July 1971, while serving with
Advisory Team 4, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, as Senior
Advisor, 1st Task Force, army of the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel
Cavanaugh was visiting the 51st Infantry Regiment at Hill 55 in Quang
Nam Province, when the enemy began a rocket attack on the location.
Without hesitation, Colonel Cavanaugh secured a pair of binoculars and
began observing the incoming rockets. At the same time, he continually
sought out information concerning casualties, damage assessment and
updating on the counter battery fire being placed on the enemy. After
the first rounds had landed there was a brief lull and it was at this
time that he ordered a Medevac Helicopter and appraised the damage
caused. He immediately exposed himself and took up a position to better
observe the area from where the attack was being launched. When the
attack was resumed Colonel Cavanaugh maintained this position watching
the flash and marking the rockets' points of origin. Critically wounded
by an incoming rocket, he tenaciously continued to observe and report
until over his own objections he was medevaced for treatment. Colonel
Cavanaugh's conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the
highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit
upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, U.S. Military
Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3587 (August 16, 1971)
Home Town: Worcester, Massachusetts
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Korea)
*CERIONE, JAMES S. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to James S. Cerione, Specialist Fourth Class,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class
Cerione distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 8 February 1968
while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment,
198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in
close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 0971 (February 25, 1968)
CHRISTIANSEN, DAVID A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to David A. Christiansen, Private First Class, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class
Christiansen distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 19 April 1968
while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment,
198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in
close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 4246 (July 15, 1968)
*CLAGGETT, JOHN ALLEN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to John Allen Claggett (490-54-6821),
Corporal, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam on 20 May 1970. Private Claggett distinguished
himself while serving as a rifleman in Company E, 2nd Battalion
(Airmobile), 502d Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, during combat
operations in Thua Thein Province, Republic of Vietnam. While
approaching an enemy bunker complex, Private (promoted to Cpl
posthumously) Claggett's platoon received intense hostile fire. Despite
the heavy volume of hostile fire directed against him, Private Claggett
maneuvered against the insurgents and returned fire. He moved to an open
position and remained there, placing suppressive fire on the enemy until
one of his comrades threw a hand grenade into an enemy bunker. Private
Claggett then assaulted the bunker nearest him and was mortally wounded
by hostile automatic weapons fire. Private Claggett's personal bravery
and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Born: August 31, 1948 at Richmond
Heights, Missouri
Home Town: Union, Missouri
CLARK, CHARLES T.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Charles T. Clark (0-5320132), Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force, while serving as
Commanding Officer, Company D, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st
Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 9 June 1968. On this
date, Captain Clark was serving as Company Commander on an air assault
reconnaissance in force operation in dense swampy jungle near Binh Nham.
After leaving a landing zone, the point element of the company was
suddenly subjected to intense machinegun and small arms fire from
well-concealed and heavily fortified enemy positions. With complete
disregard for his personal safety, Captain Clark maneuvered forward
through the hail of hostile rounds toward the point of contact to assess
the situation. He began to skillfully move his elements through the
treacherous area to gain fire superiority. Observing a casualty lying in
front of his position, Captain Clark exposed himself to Viet Cong fire
raking the area as he crawled to the man and dragged him to a more
secure position. Captain Clark then put forth a suppressive barrage on
the insurgents which enabled the soldiers in his position to move from
contact to a more advantageous location. Through the ensuing battle, he
remained in constant contact with his platoons, the battalion, and
various supporting units. His exemplary courage, outstanding leadership
and bold determination were instrumental in saving a comrade's life, and
significantly contributed toward the successful outcome of the
encounter. Captain Clark's unquestionable valor in close combat against
numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 8571 (August 17, 1968)
Born: June 13, 1946 at Cameron, Texas
Home Town: Rockdale, Texas
CLARK, WESLEY K.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Wesley K. Clark, Captain (Armor), U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving with Company A, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 16th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on 19 February 1970. On this date,
Captain Clark was serving as the platoon leader with his unit on a
ground reconnaissance operation in an area of known enemy activity. As
the friendly force maneuvered through the treacherous region, it was
suddenly subjected to an intense small arms fire from a well-concealed
insurgent element. Although painfully wounded in the initial volley,
Captain Clark immediately directed his men on a counter-assault of the
enemy positions. With complete disregard for his personal safety,
Captain Clark remained with his unit until the reactionary force arrived
and the situation was well in hand. His courageous initiative and
exemplary professionalism significantly contributed to the successful
outcome of the engagement. Captain Clark's unquestionable valor in close
combat against a hostile force is in keeping with the finest traditions
of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st
Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 2586 (February 26, 1970)
CLELAND, JOSEPH MAXWELL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Joseph Maxwell Cleland, Captain (Signal Corps),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Captain Cleland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
action on 4 April 1968, while serving as Communications Officer of the
2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during an
enemy attack near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam. When the battalion
command post came under a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack, Captain
Cleland, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the rocket
barrage as he left his covered position to administer first aid to his
wounded comrades. He then assisted in moving the injured personnel to
covered positions. Continuing to expose himself, Captain Cleland
organized his men into a work party to repair the battalion
communications equipment which had been damaged by enemy fire. His
gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.
Home Town: Georgia
COLBY, NATHANIEL P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Nathaniel P. Colby, Major (Armor), U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during
the period 20 May 1968 through 21 May 1968. Major Colby distinguished
himself while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Squadron, 17th
Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Following the hard fought
battle for Hue and the coastal lowlands after the North Vietnamese Army
Tet Offensive, the 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, in conjunction with other
United States and Vietnamese forces, continued the pursuit of one enemy
regiment throughout the coastal plains east of Hue. On 20 May 1968,
Major Colby was designated as Commander of Task Force Saber during the
temporary absence of his Commanding Officer. The task force, based at
Fire Base Forward, ten kilometers east of Hue, had been in heavy contact
for several days. Despite the heavy contact, Major Colby immediately
undertook to rally the forces at the fire base to reorganize their
defenses and establish counter-mortar targets to prevent further
friendly casualties. At 0345 hours on 21 May 1968, Fire Base Forward
again came under attack and received numerous mortar rounds. Major Colby
left the shelter of his fighting position to rally his men and direct
the tank and one hundred six millimeter recoilless rifle fire against
the enemy mortar positions. Throughout the battle, he moved from
position to position to give encouragement to his men. Through his
leadership and courage, his men were inspired to even greater efforts
and the enemy attack was repulsed. Major Colby's personal bravery and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Headquarters, 101st Airborne
Division, General Orders No 8319 (July 5, 1969)
COLLINS, DAVID M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to David M. Collins (RA-14791183), Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 444th
Transpiration Company, 1st Logistical Command, while engaged in military
operations against an armed hostile force. Staff Sergeant Collins
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 January
1970, while serving as a convoy commander for a re-supply convoy between
Qui Nhon and An Khe, in the Republic of Vietnam. Reacting swiftly when
the first incoming rounds hit, Sergeant Collins immediately radioed the
security net informing them of the enemy ambush. Being unable to
establish communications with his forward gun truck, Sergeant Collins
deployed his rear gun truck into the kill zone to help clear it.
Sergeant Collins then started moving through the kill zone for better
control of his vehicles. Not being able to communicate verbally with his
drivers because of a language barrier, Sergeant Collins deployed a 5-ton
tractor as his lead vehicle and began clearing the kill zone of the
vehicles and wounded personnel. Sergeant Collins remained in control of
his vehicles and men always making the right decision in the face of
enemy fire for the protection of his men and continuance of his mission.
Sergeant Collins' extraordinary heroism in close combat against a
numerically superior enemy force, and with total disregard for his own
personal safety, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Logistical Command,
General Orders No. 367, April 29, 1970
CONAWAY, LAWRENCE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Lawrence E. Conaway, Second Lieutenant (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Conaway distinguished himself by
intrepid actions on 2 March 1970 while serving as a Platoon Leader with
Company D, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade,
Americal Division. On that date, the company was conducting routine
combat operations near Nhon Loc when it was assaulted by a large enemy
force. During the initial exchange of rounds, several friendly soldiers
were wounded and an element of the company was pinned down by enemy
fire. Reacting immediately and with complete disregard for his personal
safety, Lieutenant Conaway led his platoon to strategic firing
positions. Repeatedly exposing himself to the enemy barrage, Lieutenant
Conaway maneuvered among his men and directed their retaliatory fire.
Disregarding the danger involved, he rushed 20 meters through a hail of
hostile fire to assist several comrades in an exposed position. Through
his timely and courageous actions. Lieutenant Conaway was instrumental
in thwarting the enemy attack and in minimizing friendly casualties. His
personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect
great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States
Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 5444 (June 3, 1970)
*CRUM, ROBERT H., JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert H. Crum, Jr. (0-5326386), Second
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army (Reserve), for gallantry in action:
Second Lieutenant Crum distinguished himself by gallantry in action on
22 May 1966, while serving as Platoon Leader of the First Platoon on a
sweep and clear mission near Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam.
After being trapped in a deadly Viet Cong killing zone, defended by
heavily fortified positions, Second Lieutenant Crum directed the platoon
in an assault against the positions. Although having sustained a
shoulder wound, he continued to direct his men to cover the personnel in
the area who had become casualties, demonstrating his fearless and
courageous leadership to his men. He rallied his troops a second time to
try to extract the casualties from the killing zone. Again he was
wounded by enemy fire and relinquishing command of the platoon gave
orders to "Take control and get these men out". His
unimpeachable gallantry in combat against a numerically superior enemy
force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.
Born: April 20, 1941 at Essex Fells, New
Jersey
Home Town: Houston, Texas
*CUMBERPATCH, JAMES R., JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to James R. Cumberpatch, Jr. (RA-13819927),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 June 1966, while serving
as a medical aid man attached to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry,
1st Cavalry Division, Specialist Four Cumberpatch demonstrated courage,
devotion to duty, and professional competence which contributed to the
defeat of a platoon size force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. When
the heavily fortified and well concealed enemy opened fire upon the
advancing unit automatic and small arms, Specialist Four Cumberpatch
repeatedly exposed himself to intense and accurate hostile fire. During
the height of the battle, when a wounded soldier was stranded on a rocky
ledge, Specialist Four Cumberpatch volunteered to climb to him and
render first aid. In the process, he was wounded in the leg, but
proceeded to crawl to the wounded soldier's aid. Once having reached
him, Specialist Four Cumberpatch then located an enemy sniper and
directed machine gun fire upon him, disregarding a warning to remain
silent. Having exposed himself to hostile fire once more, Specialist
Four Cumberpatch was wounded again, this time mortally. Specialist Four
Cumberpatch's conspicuous gallantry is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon
himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 2767 (August 11, 1966)
Home Town: Bethesda, Maryland
*CUNNINGHAM, WALTER WAYNE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Walter Wayne Cunningham, Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
while serving with Troop E, 17th Calvary, 173rd Airborne Brigade, as a
point man of his platoon. At approximately 1000 hours, Specialist
Cunningham's platoon was moving through high elephant grass in Tuy Hoa
Province when it came upon a woodline and fell under heavy automatic
weapons fire from an estimated North Vietnamese squad. Specialist
Cunningham unhesitatingly rushed the enemy force, firing his weapon and
throwing grenades. He had almost reached the enemy position when he was
shot and killed. By exposing himself to heavy fire and rushing the
enemy, he displayed an aggressive and professional attitude and caused
the enemy to withdraw without inflicting heavy casualties to the rest of
his platoon. Specialist Cunningham's personal courage materially
contributed to the success of the platoon in discovering and routing an
enemy ambush. Specialist Cunningham's extraordinary heroism in close
combat was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United
States Army.
Born: June 22, 1944 at Trenton, Michigan
Home Town: South Rockwood, Michigan
*CURTTRIGHT, LARRY BRENT (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Larry Brent Curttright (19814334), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action on 28 February 1969, while
serving as a platoon sergeant with B Troop, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry,
25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a
reconnaissance in force mission in a suspected stronghold, elements of B
Troop came in contact with a large enemy force in well concealed
positions. Immediately, Sergeant Curttright led his men in an assault of
the hostile positions. With complete disregard for his own safety,
Sergeant Curttright exposed himself to the hail of fire as he placed
devastating fire on the aggressors. As he continued his assault on the
enemy positions, Sergeant Curttright was fatally wounded by a rocket
propelled grenade. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the
success of the mission and the thwarting of a hostile force. Sergeant
Curttright's bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect
great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 7998 (June 20, 1969)
Home Town: San Bernardino, California
*DECELLE, ROBERT EUGENE (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert Eugene DeCelle (568-64-2399),
Captain (Armor), U.S. Army (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Captain DeCelle distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 15
February 1971 while serving with Troop A, 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 1st
Aviation Brigade. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Alameda, California
DEHART, MICHAEL LEWIS
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Michael Lewis Dehart (US-51800827), Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Dehart distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous action on 10 April 1969, while serving as a Platoon Sergeant
with Company E, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st
Cavalry Division, during a reconnaissance mission in Tay Ninh Province,
Republic of Vietnam. While moving through dense vegetation, Staff
Sergeant Dehart's unit came in contact with a large enemy force. During
the initial attack Staff Sergeant Dehart moved forward of his now pinned
down element to a vantage point where he could effectively engage the
enemy positions. From his now precarious position, Staff Sergeant Dehart
placed a heavy volume of machine-gun fire on the hostile emplacements
enabling the remainder of his unit to withdraw and evacuate its
casualties. Through Staff Sergeant Dehart's heroic actions his unit
successfully broke contact and was extracted with minimum casualties.
Staff Sergeant Dehart's gallant action is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 8655 (July 14, 1969)
DEHART, MICHAEL LEWIS
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to
Michael Lewis Dehart (US-51800827), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff
Sergeant Dehart distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action
on 14 May 1969, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company E, 2d
Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division,
during a reconnaissance mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of
Vietnam. When his unit became engaged with a large enemy force, Staff
Sergeant Dehart immediately moved to a forward position in order to
direct the fire of his men. When it became necessary to withdraw, Staff
Sergeant Dehart remained in the forward position. While completely
exposed to the hostile fire, he covered his men as they withdrew. Early
the next morning Staff Sergeant Dehart led his men into the contact area
again and because of Staff Sergeant Dehart's courageous effort on the
previous evening, little resistance was given. Staff Sergeant Dehart's
gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 8655 (July 14, 1969)
Born: May 27, 1942 at Troy, Ohio
Home Town: Troy, Ohio
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam), 2@ Bronze Stars w/V, Purple
Heart
*DELARA, FRANKLIN V. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Franklin V. Delara (0-5424508), Second
Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against
a hostile force on 23 May 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Second
Lieutenant Delara distinguished himself by intrepid actions while
serving as a Forward Observer with Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th
Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that
date, his company was on a combat sweep operation west of Tam Ky when
they suddenly came under intense fire from an enemy force of
undetermined size. Realizing that the enemy positions had to be
pin-pointed for the supporting artillery fire, Lieutenant Delara left
his covered position, and with complete disregard for his personal
safety, sought high ground from which he could adjust the artillery
fire. After he reached a good position, he courageously continued to
expose himself to the intense hostile fire while expertly directing the
artillery until he fell mortally wounded. Through his courageous act,
the accurate artillery fire destroyed the hostile mortar positions and
his company was able to repel the enemy, forcing them to retreat. Second
Lieutenant Delara's unquestionable valor while in close combat with a
numerically superior enemy force was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon
himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 3704 (July 5, 1968)
*DEWEY, LARRY RICHARD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Larry Richard Dewey (0-86369431), Captain,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving
as a Pilot with the 92d Assault Helicopter Squadron, 10th Combat
Aviation Battalion, 17th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, on
24 May 1971. Captain Dewey distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a lift
helicopter while on an emergency resupply mission to Fire Base 5,
northwest of Pleiku. Hundreds of enemy soldiers had started an offensive
movement against the fire base during the early morning hours. The
enemy, utilizing mortars, rockets, and heavy automatic weapons initiated
an attack on the small hilltop. They were beaten back only after
inflicting heavy casualties. The Allied troops defending the small base
camp were running low on critically needed supplies. Captain Dewey was
notified of the urgent need for a resupply mission and immediately
volunteered to fly into the besieged base camp. Briefing his crew and
taking all necessary precautions, Captain Dewey made his approach into
the landing zone. Almost immediately, Captain Dewey's aircraft came
under mortar and heavy automatic weapons fire from every quadrant. Only
through fearless determination and expert flying ability was Captain
Dewey able to direct his aircraft to the landing pad and off-load the
urgently needed supplies. Calling upon his professional skill and
knowledge, Captain Dewey departed Fire Base 5 and returned to the safety
of Dak To. In the early afternoon the call for more ammunition and
medical supplies was made. Captain Dewey, knowing the enemy situation
and the impossible odds, again volunteered to fly the resupply mission.
Captain Dewey carefully pinpointed the known enemy positions for gunship
suppression during the insertion and devised a plan of attack. While on
short final, 300 meters away and 20 feet above the ground, Captain
Dewey's aircraft suddenly exploded. Upon the explosion, the aircraft
rolled to the right and struck the ground in an inverted position. In
the act of completing his last mission, Captain Dewey displayed
exemplary concern for his fellow soldiers and extreme professionalism.
His gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Home Town: Weedsport, New York
*DIAZ, GARY MICHAEL (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Gary Michael Diaz (56709074), Corporal,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Corporal Diaz distinguished
himself by intrepid actions on 4 February 1968 while serving with
Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.
His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Redondo Beach, California
DIERLING, EDWARD CHARLES (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Edward Charles Dierling (RA-12748920), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations
involving armed conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam while assigned to the 135th Military Intelligence Group.
Sergeant Dierling distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions from 30 January to 23 February 1968, during the communist Tet
Offensive against the city of Hue. North Vietnamese Army forced
infiltrated the city and directed a series of coordinated attacks
against military housing and installations. Enemy elements surrounded
the area he and his team occupied, and Sergeant Dierling immediately
helped destroy vital intelligence documents in the team's possession.
After moving to a more tenable position in a nearby house, he organized
defenses and distributed weapons and ammunition. The enemy delivered
ravaging machine gun, mortar and rifle fire on his small unit, and he
fought furiously to repel the attacks. Firing deadly barrages into the
advancing North Vietnamese troops, his team succeeded in repulsing
several fanatical assaults which reached point-blank range.
Reinforcements were unable to reach Sergeant Dierling and his men, and
the North Vietnamese forces captured them after forty-eight hours of
savage fighting. They were taken to an enemy camp outside the city and
held captive there for nineteen days. Throughout the period, Sergeant
Dierling remained alert for escape possibilities despite weariness from
lack of food and sleep. On 19 February, he and twenty other prisoners
began a march to another camp. When a guard became careless after four
days of travel, he made a fearless dash into the jungle and fought
through the dense vegetation to reach friendly lines with highly
valuable intelligence information. Sergeant Dierling's gallantry in
action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United
States Army.
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2343 (May 17, 1968)
Home Town: Newark, New Jersey
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Prisoner of War Medal
DIMARTINO, JOE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Joe DiMartino (US-67141080), Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class DiMartino distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous action on 12 June 1968, while serving
as a team leader with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a search and destroy
mission in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. As his unit became
heavily engaged with a large enemy force, several men were wounded. With
complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist DiMartino
advanced toward the enemy positions. When a particular enemy bunker
repeatedly placed heavy fire on rescue operations, he charged the
position and successfully silenced it, allowing his unit to rescue the
wounded men. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 7943 (July 11, 1968)
Born: December 15, 1942 at Italy Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Bronze Star, Air Medal
DINSMORE, ROBERT M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Robert M. Dinsmore, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force on 29 May 1969 while serving as a
loader and assistant tank commander with Company D, 11th Armored Cavalry
Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while elements of the
company were assaulting an enemy bunker complex, his tank was hit by a
rocket-propelled grenade. The explosion wounded the three other crew
members, started a small fire in the vehicle and detonated a grenade
that filled the tank with irritating gas. Although suffering from the
effects of the gas, Sergeant Dinsmore moved his wounded comrades to
safety. After observing the loss of his tank had caused the attack to
falter, he returned through the hostile fusillade to his vehicle and
began firing on the enemy positions with the main gun and a mounted
heavy machine gun. Although some of the gas lingered in the vehicle and
he was forced to load and fire unaided, Sergeant Dinsmore continued to
cover the hostile emplacements with accurate fire until two replacement
crew members arrived. He then maneuvered his tank into the assault
formation and pressed the attack until the enemy positions had been
overrun and destroyed. Sergeant Dinsmore's outstanding courage, devotion
to duty and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect
great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, II Field Force,
Vietnam, General Orders No. 2008 (August 13, 1969)
*DIXON, MARK HANNAY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Mark Hannay Dixon (RA-11806821), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat
against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First
Class Dixon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on
29 April 1969 while serving as a Rifleman with Company C, 2d Battalion,
60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during a reconnaissance
in force mission in Long An Province. After a member of his unit was
seriously wounded by enemy fire, Private Dixon courageously crawled,
under intense hostile fire, to the fallen soldier, and began
administering first aid. Then, as he started to carry the wounded man to
a secure area for evacuation, Private Dixon was hit by enemy fire.
Disregarding his own injuries, Private Dixon continued to move his
wounded comrade toward the evacuation point, until mortally wounded by
hostile fire. Private Dixon's extraordinary heroism in close combat with
an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th
Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 5948 (May 24, 1969)
Home Town: West Hartford, Connecticut
DOBBINS, RAYMOND H.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Raymond H. Dobbins (0-5325237), Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with
Advisory Team 22, Second Regional Assistance Command, in the Republic of
Vietnam. Captain Dobbins distinguished himself by gallantry in action on
7 November 1971, while serving as Operations Advisor to the 42d
Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Dobbins
was advising an extraction of units of the 2d and 4th Battalions of the
42d Regiment when the enemy started shelling the fire base in an
apparent attempt to disrupt the extraction. Due to the fact that Captain
Dobbins was the only United States Advisor on the fire base, he ignored
his own personal safety and continued to move about the fire base as he
advised the Regimental Operations Officer and Battalion Commanders
concerning the situation. The enemy's fire caused many casualties on the
fire base, some of which needed urgent medical evacuation. Captain
Dobbins then volunteered to assist in organizing a medical evacuation of
wounded personnel. While still exposing himself to small arms fire and
also dodging the shelling, Captain Dobbins still managed to identify
suspected enemy positions as targets for the gunships. His actions at
this time assisted in silencing the enemy fire temporarily, thus
allowing the medical evacuation to be a success. His personal display of
gallantry under intense hostile fire and his sound and timely
recommendations to the Senior Advisor and the Regimental S3 during this
battle were singularly outstanding. Captain Dobbins' conspicuous
gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the
United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the
military service.
Headquarters, US Military Assistance
Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 556 (February 24, 1972)
DOBBINS, RAYMOND H.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to
Raymond H. Dobbins (0-5325237), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Advisory Team
22, Second Regional Assistance Command, in the Republic of Vietnam,
during the period 23 to 25 April 1972. Captain Dobbins, acting Senior
Advisor to the 42d Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam,
distinguished himself by gallantry in action. During an enemy rocket,
missile and artillery attack he repeatedly exposed himself to the
hostile fire in order to adjust friendly artillery, air strikes and
gunships on nearby enemy positions. After darkness on 23 April, upon
receiving notification of an enemy armor threat, Captain Dobbins
assisted in organizing and deploying tank killer teams to engage the
armor. At 0530 hours on 24 April, the enemy launched a coordinated
attack from the South. During this period of intense fighting, Captain
Dobbins was on the battlefield directing and assisting in encouraging
the ARVN to fight. At 0830 hours, he lost all contact with friendly
elements and relocated himself in a bunker. The enemy failed to find him
during the day and he was instrumental in identifying enemy targets of
tanks and anti-aircraft weapons which were destroyed by air strikes.
After the hours of darkness, Captain Dobbins assisted in organizing the
men into 3 to 4 man teams for an escape and evasion. Upon encountering
friendly mechanical ambushes and a mine field, he assumed the point
position and breached the friendly mine fields. His great acts of
personal bravery inspired the ARVN to resist the enemy and when all
means of resistance ended, he successfully assisted in the escape and
evasion. Captain Dobbins' conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping
with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflects great credit
upon himself as well as the military service.
Headquarters, Department of Army
Second Regional Assistance Command General Orders No. 12 (July 7, 1972)
Born: at Smyrna, Georgia
Home Town: Smyrna, Georgia
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (Vietnam), 2@ Silver Stars
(Vietnam)
DRAKE, LYLE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Lyle Drake, Sergeant First Class, 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 Detachment B-55, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st
Special Forces. Sergeant First Class Drake distinguished himself while
serving as Senior American Advisor to an element of Vietnamese troops
while assaulting enemy positions on Nui Khet Mountain. During the
initial phase of the assault, Sergeant Drake and his comrades came under
intense enemy small arms, rocket, and grenade fire. Ignoring the enemy
fire, he immediately moved throughout his company encouraging his men
and directing their fire on the enemy. At this time, the enemy increased
the momentum of fighting, showering the friendly troops with grenades.
Sergeant Drake again exposed himself to the fire as he moved toward the
hostile forces in search of the enemy grenadier. When he reached the
vicinity of the grenadier, he assaulted the area with twelve grenades.
Although the concussion from the exploding grenades knocked him to the
ground on several occasions, Sergeant Drake continued his assault until
he reached the grenadier's position. He then fully exposed himself to
both friendly and enemy fire as he crawled on top of a rock formation
located five meters from the enemy grenadier and destroyed the position
with his remaining grenades. Although suffering from two punctured
eardrums, Sergeant Drake refused medical attention and rallied his men
to continue the assault. On several occasions he was observed dragging
wounded comrades from the line of enemy fire to covered positions.
Sergeant Drake's determined actions so inspired his men to continue the
attack, that the mission was successfully completed shortly thereafter.
*DUCE, ROGER L. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Roger L. Duce, First Lieutenant (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Duce
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 8 May 1968 while serving
with Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry
Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 5131 (August 4, 1968)
*FAIRCLOTH, JOHNNIE WILLIAM (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Johnnie William Faircloth (RA-14608232),
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry
Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Staff Sergeant Faircloth
distinguished himself by heroic action on 18 September 1965 while
serving as a rifle squad leader in an airborne infantry battalion on two
heliborne search and destroy operations in the Republic of Vietnam.
Almost immediately after landing, Sergeant Faircloth's element was
pinned down by enemy small arms fire. The unit received instructions to
move forth to link up with the main force approximately 800 meters away.
With enemy sniper fire coming from the west, and knowing the small unit
was completely surrounded by enemy forces, Sergeant Faircloth, with
complete disregard for his own personal safety, led the first element of
the unit north. After moving approximately 20 meters, the element came
under a heavy volume of small arms and machine gun fire. Sergeant
Faircloth was wounded and fell to the ground, signaling the other
members of the element to return to the unit's positions. He refused to
accept medical aid for himself knowing that it might result in another
casualty. Sergeant Faircloth was wounded several more times by enemy
machine gun fire and died on the battle field. His fearlessness and
genuine concern for his subordinates in the face of his own peril was an
inspiration to the entire unit. Staff Sergeant Faircloth's unimpeachable
valor in close combat against numerically superior forces was in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1537 (November 9, 1965)
Home Town: Cordele, Georgia
*FEGATELLI, PETER FRANK (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Peter Frank Fegatelli (52902778),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while
engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile
force on 10 May 1969 while serving with Company D (Ranger), 151st
Infantry, II Field Force, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while
deployed in an ambush position, the long range patrol team of which
Specialist Fegatelli was a member spotted several enemy soldiers
approaching. When the hostile troops were within range, the friendly
element initiated contact with them. Although taken by surprise, the
enemy reacted by placing intense small arms and rocket- propelled
grenade fire upon the team. Seeing that the enemy was beginning to gain
fire superiority with extremely effective fire, Specialist Fegatelli,
disregarding his own safety, came to his knees in order to place more
effective machine gun fire on the advancing enemy. His accurate fire and
courage inspired his comrades to increase their volume of suppressive
fire. While firing on the hostile force, he was mortally wounded.
Specialist Four Fegatelli's outstanding courage and devotion to duty
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders No. 1315 (May 27,
1969)
Home Town: Providence, Rhode Island
FLORA, CARROLL EDWARD, JR. (POW)
Blank: The President of the United States takes pleasure in
presenting the Silver Star Medal to Carroll Edward Flora, Jr.
(RA-13664724), First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for FOIA
Born: August 20, 1941 at Brunswick,
Missouri
Home Town: Baltimore, Maryland
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Bronze Star w/V, 3@ Purple
Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal
FOGARTY, JERRY M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jerry M. Fogarty (US-54832575), Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action on 1 December 1968, while
serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th
Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance
in force mission in Binh Duong Province, Company A came under an intense
communist attack. During the initial contact, the lead platoon sustained
several casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private
Fogarty exposed himself to a heavy volume of fire as he moved through
the bullet swept area to the aid of his comrades. Nearing the injured
soldiers' position, Private Fogarty came under devastating automatic
weapons fire from a concealed hostile bunker. Returning fire, Private
Fogarty succeeded in killing one Viet Cong before he was seriously
wounded losing consciousness. Regaining consciousness, he, refusing to
accept defeat, attempted to rescue his comrade but was turned back by
the holocaust of exploding hostile projectiles. His valorous actions
contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and defeat of the
hostile force. Private Fogarty's personal bravery, aggressiveness, and
devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the
25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 590 (January 18, 1969)
Born: October 20, 1947 at Chicago, Illinois
Home Town: Des Plaines, Illinois
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart
FRANK, GORDON B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Gordon B. Frank, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while engaged in
military operations against an armed enemy on 29 June 1963. As an
Advisor to a Vietnamese Battalion (Civil Guard), Captain Frank displayed
a rare combination of professional knowledge, sound judgment, and
devotion to duty, and rendered invaluable assistance, advice and
encouragement to the Battalion in accomplishing its military objectives.
When the operations of the Battalion were deterred by hostile small arms
and automatic weapons fire, he disregarded his own personal safety and
remained with the forward troops in an effort to rally them. Forced to
defend himself against point-blank range hostile fire, and armed only
with a pistol and hand grenades, he single-handedly annihilated three
hostile positions. His courageous action, personal example, and
dedication to duty served as an inspiration to his Vietnamese comrades
and assured the success of the operations. Captain Frank's conspicuous
gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and
reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General
Orders No. 3 (January 28, 1964)
FRANK, MARTIN STANLEY (POW)
Blank: The President of the United States takes pleasure in
presenting the Silver Star Medal to Martin Stanley Frank (51603758),
Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for FOIA
Born: July 11, 1941 at Montclair, New
Jersey
Home Town: Belleville, New Jersey
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), 2@ Bronze Stars w/V, 2@ Purple
Hearts, Prisoner of War Medal
*FREEMAN, RUBE ALFRED (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Rube Alfred Freeman (34637852), Master
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations in Vietnam on 27 April 1963, as a member of Advisory Team 22,
Military Assistance Advisory Group, Vietnam. Sergeant Freeman was
serving as an Advisor to a Vietnamese infantry battalion which had the
mission of defending an outpost against hostile forces. When the
battalion was overrun and suffered heavy casualties from intense weapons
fire, Sergeant Freeman displayed great courage and leadership by
rallying the Vietnamese soldiers to hold their position and encouraging
them to pursue their defense efforts. Although the unit was exposed to
an overwhelming onslaught, he completely disregarded his own personal
safety and remained with the forward unit to advise them until he was
mortally wounded. Sergeant Freeman's conspicuous gallantry and unselfish
actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and
reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General
Orders No. 46 (October 23, 1963)
Home Town: Columbus, Georgia
FRESCURA, JOHN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John Frescura (RA-16825953), Specialist Fifth
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Command and
Control Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special
Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Frescura distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 January 1968 while
serving with a Special Forces reconnaissance patrol on combat operations
in the town of Khe Sanh. Shortly after noon, while moving through the
town, his unit's point element was savagely attacked by a
well-entrenched enemy force firing machine guns, automatic weapons and
small arms. The vanguard was cut off from the main force and pinned down
by the devastating fire. Specialist Frescura immediately directed his
men to fighting positions along the road. Braving the withering enemy
barrage, he repeatedly exposed himself to the insurgent emplacements to
draw their fire and pinpoint their locations. When he learned that a
soldier in the separated force was seriously wounded, he stood up and
dashed through the murderous fusillade. Shielding the man with his own
body, he treated his wounds and then aided another casualty. He next
laid down a heavy base of fire on the enemy to cover the evacuation of
the wounded. When he was sure that all the men of the point element were
safe, he sprinted through a hail of bullets to reach the main force. The
patrol then maneuvered to break contact, and Specialist Frescura
remained behind and delivered intense suppressive fire on the North
Vietnamese to prevent pursuit. As ambulance helicopters arrived to
evacuate the casualties, he moved into the open and silenced enemy
snipers firing from positions around the landing zone. Specialist Five
Frescura's gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2263 (May 15, 1968)
FRIER, JESSE W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jesse W. Frier (RA--14474962), Sergeant First
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action. Sergeant First Class Frier
distinguished himself by heroic actions on 9 May 1968, while serving as
Operations Sergeant of the 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 25th
Infantry Division, on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam.
When the enemy attacked the perimeter of Fire Support Base Maury,
Sergeant Frier left the Tactical Operations Center under intense enemy
fire to locate and confer with the Infantry Force Commander who was
being treated for wounds. Then, when the enemy broke through the
perimeter, Sergeant Frier formed a counterattack force to repel the
hostile force. When he saw a truck hit by a rocket propelled grenade, he
crawled through a pool of gasoline which had leaked from the truck
tanks, to dig a man out from under it. During all the above acts, he
constantly exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire. His
valorous actions were responsible for saving several lives and the
successful completion of the mission. Sergeant First Class Frier's
personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 5134 (July 15, 1968)
Home Town: Lakeland, Florida
*FRY, GEORGE HAROLD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to George Harold Fry (US-130-34-0945),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action while serving as a radio-telephone operator in
Company D, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne
Division, during combat operations in the A Shau Valley, Republic of
Vietnam, on 11 July 1969. At approximately 1230 hours on the cited date,
Company D was advancing along a trail when it encountered a heavy volume
of enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket propelled grenade
fire from an unknown size enemy force in well-fortified positions.
During the ensuing battle two battalion radio- telephone operators were
killed and their radios destroyed. Then Company D lost contact with one
of its platoons because of the uneven terrain. Realizing that control
was impossible without effective communication, Specialist Fry climbed a
nearby ridge in an attempt to make communication with all the company's
platoons. He remained fully unprotected from the enemy fire and
effectively established radio contact within the company and to the
Battalion Command Post, allowing the Company Commander to maneuver his
elements and to coordinate with the Battalion S-3 element. Disregarding
the hostile fire, Specialist Fry held his ground in order to relay
messages. It was while relaying one of Company D's messages that he was
mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire. Specialist Fry's personal
bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 101st Airborne
Division, General Orders No. 13633 (November 12, 1969)
Home Town: Pavilion, New York
*FRY, ROLLAND KEITH (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Rolland Keith Fry, Specialist Fourth Class,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while
serving as a rifleman in Company A, 3d Battalion, 187th Infantry, in the
A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 May 1969. At approximately 1400
hours, Company A, was moving along the side of Fire Support Base
Airborne when the lead platoon's movement was checked by a heavy barrage
of automatic weapons, rocket propelled grenade, and small arms fire.
Specialist Fry was at the very front position, moving toward the
well-placed enemy fortifications. With complete disregard for his own
safety, he laid down a heavy volume of fire with his M-16 rifle,
providing cover for the other members of his platoon. At this time, a
rocket propelled grenade exploded near his position, seriously wounding
him. Refusing medical aid, Specialist Fry continued retaliatory fire
until another rocket propelled grenade exploded near his position,
mortally wounding him. His courageous action contributed highly to the
success of the mission and to the defeat of the enemy force. Specialist
Fry's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Hutchinson, Kansas
FUNDERBURK, RAYMOND E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Raymond E. Funderburk (0-5403048), Major
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat
against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major
Funderburk distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on
the afternoon of 31 January 1968, while serving as Information Officer,
9th Infantry Division, accompanying the Reconnaissance Platoon, 2d
Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. The armored
personnel carriers of the patrol had just finished a sweep of Widow's
village and were en route to aid a besieged company in the village of No
Nai when the Viet Cong attack began. The enemy, entrenched in a
two-story house, let the column enter the ambush zone, then hit the
third, fourth and fifth tracks with recoilless rifle rounds. The seventh
track slammed to a halt just outside the ambush site and all occupants
ran to the shelter of the side of a building fronting the street. Major
Funderburk, along as an observer to obtain first-hand combat
photographs, immediately took command of the 16 men and began directing
their fire in a counter-offensive. Braving machine gun and recoilless
rifle rounds, Major Funderburk collected all available M79 ammunition
from the track out in the street. Then, seizing an M79 grenade launcher,
he climbed to the roof of the building and began lobbing grenades onto
the roof of the Viet Cong stronghold, demolishing the roof and trying to
penetrate the second floor and destroy the enemy. When helicopter
gunships arrived, Major Funderburk called in a devastatingly accurate
rocket strike on the ground floor of the enemy stronghold, a mere 20
meters from his own position, without incurring any friendly casualties.
Major Funderburk's extraordinary heroism in close combat against a
numerically superior Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 1088 (February 28, 1968)
GALLION, RICHARD L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Richard L. Gallion, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class
Gallion distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 8 May 1968 while
serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in close
combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 7305 (September 19, 1968)
GARLAND, CHRISTOPHER J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Christopher J. Garland (RA-12307319), Sergeant
First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while conducting
military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Garland distinguished himself while
serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 6 February 1968, Sergeant Garland's
platoon was conducting a reconnaissance in force mission near Plei Gao
Gen when it encountered a reinforced North Vietnamese Company in
fortified bunkers. The armored platoon was taken under fire by an
extremely intense volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire
coupled with the enemy's intense use of B-40 antitank rockets and
mortars. After Insuring the Platoon had initiated appropriate
counter-action, Sergeant Garland dismounted and, under extremely intense
fire, moved to a second, temporarily disabled armored personnel carrier.
Upon reaching the second vehicle he immediately reorganized the squad
members and directed the moving of the wounded Personnel to the carrier.
Still under heavy enemy fire, he calmly and efficiently repaired the
vehicle's exposed and disabled .50 caliber machine gun. He then moved
the personnel carrier through a heavy brush fire and again dismounted to
recover two more wounded comrades. During the entire encounter, Sergeant
Garland was under direct, extremely voluminous enemy fire. Because of
his professional and courageous acts, the enemy company was destroyed
and numerous friendly lives were saved. Sergeant Garland's extraordinary
heroism, superb leadership and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 4603 (August 19, 1968)
*GASSMAN, FRED ALLEN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Fred Allen Gassman (RA-266-80-9751),
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
while serving with RT Fer De Lance, Command and Control Detachment, 5th
Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in the Republic of
Vietnam, Sergeant Gassman distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry
in action on 24 September 1970 while serving on a long- range
reconnaissance patrol operating deep within enemy-held territory. The
team was preparing to move out of their night defensive position on the
morning of 24 September 1970 when they were compromised by an enemy
force of undetermined size. In the ensuing firefight, Sergeant Gassman
moved without hesitation to an area of intense enemy fire to aid two
commandos. A grenade thrown into their position by the enemy killed on
commando and wounded the other, but miraculously Sergeant Gassman
escaped injury. He ignored the enemy fire to aid the wounded commando in
safely withdrawing to a more secure position. Finding the man not
seriously injured, he returned to find the other commando beyond medical
help. Sergeant Gassman, realizing the value of the equipment left behind
during the team's withdrawal, returned to gather all remaining equipment
before returning on the last trip with the body of the dead commando.
The team leader then called in air strikes on the enemy positions so the
team could be safely extracted. Sergeant Gassman's actions during this
period were instrumental in saving one commando's life and in recovering
equipment of value to the enemy if left behind. Sergeant Gassman's
conspicuous gallantry was in keeping with the highest tradition of the
military service and reflects great credit on him, the Special Forces,
and the United States Army.
Home Town: Fort Walton Beach, Florida
*GENTRY, DAVID ANTHONY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to David Anthony Gentry (RA-18767298),
Corporal, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force
while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment,
101st Airborne Division, on 29 September 1967 in the Republic of
Vietnam. On that date Private First Class Gentry was moving with his
platoon to reinforce another platoon of his company when his element was
ambushed by an estimated North Vietnamese Army squad. Even though he was
in the ambush killing zone and was the target of extremely heavy hostile
fire, Private Gentry displayed resolute courage as he immediately
assaulted the closest enemy bunker. Running through intense fire and
exploding grenades, with no concern for his own safety, he engaged the
enemy position with accurate volleys of fire as he moved closer to the
insurgent element. Private Gentry was fatally wounded just before
reaching the bunker, yet his fearless actions enabled the other
paratroopers in his platoon to seek cover before the enemy could engage
them with effective fire. Private First Class Gentry demonstrated
unquestionable valor and his courage in close combat against a
numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 9228 (October 16, 1967)
Home Town: Knox City, Texas
GIRLING, VICTOR D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Victor D. Girling (RA-17683333), Corporal, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8 February 1968
in the Republic of Vietnam. Corporal, then Private First Class, Girling
distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a forward
observer with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his company was
conducting a search and clear mission south of DaNang when they suddenly
came under heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from a reinforced
battalion of North Vietnamese regulars. During the initial burst of
fire, several members of the lead platoon were killed and the complete
company became pinned down. When Corporal Girling, who was with the
command group, saw one of the radio operators become seriously wounded
and the other one badly shaken, he courageously crawled to the wounded
man and began dragging him to the defensive perimeter while urging the
other man to keep crawling. After insuring that the wounded man was
safe, he quickly re-established radio contact with higher headquarters,
allowing the company commander to request gunships and air strikes. This
courageous act greatly contributed to the success of the company's
mission which resulted in 207 enemy killed. Corporal Girling's unselfish
concern for his fellow soldiers and unquestionable valor are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2648 (May 20, 1968)
*GOMEZ, LUIS G. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Luis G. Gomez, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Gomez distinguished himself by
intrepid actions on 1 September 1968 while serving with Company C, 1st
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with
the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 7223 (September 17, 1968)
*GONZALEZ, RAMON E. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ramon E. Gonzalez (RA-12572425), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on
8 February 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Gonzalez
distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a Squad
Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his company was going
to the aid of a Marine unit when they became pinned down in an open rice
paddy by a barrage of mortar, rocket, and automatic weapons fire from an
estimated battalion of North Vietnamese regulars. When the company
commander gave the command to withdraw to a more secure area, the
machinegunner attached to Sergeant Gonzalez' squad was wounded and
unable to provide effective fire cover. Realizing the importance of the
machinegun fire, Sergeant Gonzalez, with complete disregard for his own
safety, rushed to the unmanned weapon and started laying down a
suppressive base of fire. After killing several of the insurgents and
enabling the wounded personnel to withdraw, he then picked up the
wounded machinegunner and started back to rejoin his squad. After moving
several meters, Sergeant Gonzalez was mortally wounded by an enemy
mortar round. Staff Sergeant Gonzalez' unquestionable valor in close
combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with
the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 1862 (April 10, 1968)
GONZALEZ, WILLIAM
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William Gonzalez, Private First Class, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Gonzalez
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 1 September 1968 while
serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in close
combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 7804 (October 6, 1968)
*GOOD, KENNETH NEWLON (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Kenneth Newlon Good (0-66384), Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations at Ap Tan Tho, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 January 1963, as a
member of the Military Assistance Advisory Group, Vietnam. Captain Good
was assigned as the Advisor to a Vietnamese infantry battalion which had
the mission of securing a series of objectives, including the hamlet of
Ap Tan Tho. While approaching the final objective, the battalion
received intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a determined
and entrenched hostile force. At the risk of his life, Captain Good
unhesitatingly moved from the Battalion Command Post to the forward
elements to apprise himself of the situation and to assist the
Vietnamese commanders. Although the unit was receiving casualties and he
was exposed to constant gunfire, he completely ignored the danger to
assist in the selection of a route into the hostile lines. His heroic
and brave action stabilized the Vietnamese units and served as an
example to those around him. Shortly after, while occupying a vantage
point with the forward unit, he was struck by a sniper's bullet.
Although seriously wounded, he directed the aidmen to administer to the
Vietnamese casualties and continued to encourage the friendly forces to
pursue their defense efforts. Captain Good's conspicuous gallantry and
unselfish actions are in the highest traditions of the United States
Army and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General
Orders No. 43 (September 27, 1963)
Born: November 30, 1930 at Hollywood, California
Home Town: San Marino, California
GOUIN, DONAT J. (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Donat J. Gouin (11174609), Master Sergeant [then
Sergeant First Class], U.S. Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in
connection with military operations against an opposing armed force
while serving as Chief Engineer with Detachment Number 5, American
Forces Television Station, Hue, South Vietnam, American Forces
Radio-Television Network, South Vietnam, Military Advisory Command,
Republic of Vietnam, on 2 February 1968, during the Communist "Tet
Offensive." At approximately 1900 hours on 2 February 1968,
Detachment Number 5 was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force
while detachment personnel were positioned inside their quarters at
Number 6 Tran Duc Street, Hue. Without hesitancy and with total
disregard to his personal safety, Master Sergeant Gouin took a position
outside the quarters where he faced part of the attacking enemy force
alone. Exposing himself to deadly enemy fire he remained in that
position throughout the 16-hour ordeal and single-handedly stopped all
enemy attempts to attack and gain entry into said quarters from this
otherwise exposed flank. He was continuously subjected to enemy grenade
fire which stunned and deafened him, but never deterred his
determination to stay in that position. His aggressiveness and
initiative of action was instrumental not only in saving the lives of
Detachment Number 5 personnel but was a decidingly important factor in
deterring the enemy's attempts to overrun their position. His position
was later overrun and he was held as a Prisoner of War until his release
on 5 March 1973. Master Sergeant Gouin's heroic actions are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the services and reflect great credit on
himself and the United States Army.
Born: 1929 at Central Falls, Rhode
Island
Home Town: Central Falls, Rhode Island
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Bronze Star, 2@ Purple Hearts,
Prisoner of War Medal
*GRAHAM, ROGER LEE (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Roger Lee Graham (0-4075401), Major (Air
Defense Artillery), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action while serving with Advisory Team 15, Military Assistance
Command, Vietnam, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam
on 10 June 1969.
Home Town: Aliceville, Alabama
*HACKER, RONALD VENTION (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ronald Vention Hacker (US-51835645),
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.
Sergeant Hacker distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader
with Company C, 1st Battalion, 22d Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. On 3
April 1969, the battalion was involved in counterinsurgency operations
in the Cu Don Valley complex west of Kontum City. Upon leaving their
night position they were immediately taken under heavy enemy fire. At
the initial contact, four men in the point squad were wounded. Sergeant
Hacker, with complete disregard for his own safety, volunteered to lead
reinforcements into the battle area. Using his own initiative, he
instructed his men to carry enough ammunition to re-supply the forward
element. Then, through the effective use of tactical fire and movement,
he successfully joined the embattled point squad. Exhibiting exceptional
ability and coolness while under heavy fire he then maneuvered his men
to positions from which they engaged the enemy with accurate and
effective cover fire, allowing the wounded to be evacuated from the
area. Seeing one of his men wounded by the intense hostile fire,
Sergeant Hacker rushed to his side. As he attempted to carry his wounded
comrade from the battle field, he himself was mortally wounded. Sergeant
Hacker's personal bravery, determination and exemplary devotion to duty
are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 1759 (May 17, 1969)
Home Town: Massillon, Ohio
HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(Tenth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak
Leaf Cluster lieu of a Tenth Award of the Silver Star Medal to David
Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with gallantry in action
involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th
Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant
Colonel Hackworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 22 May 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer, 4th
Battalion, 39th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Dinh
Tuong Province. After elements of his battalion came in contact with a
large enemy force, Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth braved intense hostile
fire to fly over the hostile positions and direct artillery supporting
fires onto them. Then, realizing that the enemy element was, in
actuality, a main force battalion, he skillfully directed the insertion
of reinforcements in blocking positions around the enemy. After
surrounding the enemy, he repeatedly exposed himself to the murderous
fusillade of hostile fire to direct his forces and mark targets for
gunship strikes. His valiant actions resulted in the decimation of the
large and important enemy unit. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth's
extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects
great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United
States Army.
Department of the Army, Headquarters,
9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 5933, (May 24, 1969)
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Vietnam), 10@ Silver
Stars, 8@ Purple Hearts
HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(Fourth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Third
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star
Medal to David Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), Major (Infantry), U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving
with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne),
327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Major
Hackworth distinguished himself on 4 March 1966 while serving as
executive officer during a combat operation in the vicinity of My Phu,
Republic of Vietnam. Upon entering the operational area, Major
Hackworth's unit made contact with a numerically superior Viet Cong
force. During the early stages of the battle, Major Hackworth was
airborne in a command and control helicopter. Later, he dauntlessly
landed in the operation area amidst intense hostile fire to personally
direct his men. Undaunted by intense machine gun fire, Major Hackworth
remained with his men, exposed himself to hostile fire, and effected an
assault on the hostile emplacements. After the platoon seized its
objective, Major Hackworth joined another rifle platoon which had
sustained heavy battle casualties among its officer personnel and was
virtually ineffective. Major Hackworth went from squad to squad in the
most forward positions and rallied the disorganized platoon. He rendered
first aid, directed evacuation of the wounded, and insured that
ammunition was redistributed while continuously subjecting himself to an
intense volume of Viet Cong fire. Later, as the platoon was
inadvertently strafed by friendly aircraft, Major Hackworth braved the
heavy machine gun and rocket fire while moving to a radio to call the
aviation units to cease their attack on the friendly force. He then
arranged for medical evacuation of the seriously wounded. Again he
exposed himself to intense hostile fire while running through a rice
paddy to give visual landing guidance to the incoming aircraft. Due to
the intensity of the hostile fire, the evacuation attempt was aborted.
When darkness fell, reinforcements were brought in while Major Hackworth
stood in the middle of an insecure landing zone with a flashlight
guiding the landing of ten aircraft. He then supervised the evacuation
of the wounded. His unimpeachable valor in the face of a numerically
superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, Headquarters
United States Army Vietnam, General Orders No. 3645, (June 11, 1966)
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Vietnam), 10@ Silver
Stars, 8@ Purple Hearts
HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(Fifth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Silver Star
Medal to David Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), Major (Infantry), U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving
with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne),
327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Major
Hackworth distinguished himself on 11 June 1966 while serving as a
battalion commander during a combat operation near Dak To, Republic of
Vietnam. When a friendly company was assaulted by a Viet Cong force,
Major Hackworth immediately proceeded to their assistance in his command
and control helicopter. Unable to see the ground below, Major Hackworth
ordered the pilot to land him in a hastily prepared landing zone. As the
aircraft hovered fifteen feet above the ground and received intense
hostile fire, Major Hackworth jumped from the helicopter and moved to
the company command post. After a quick briefing, Major Hackworth sped
to the defensive perimeter. Ignoring the intense Viet Cong fire raking
the ground around him, he moved from position to position, directing his
men and giving them words of encouragement. After observing the
fanatical insurgents penetrate a section of the perimeter, Major
Hackworth personally charged the breached position, killed three Viet
Cong and wounded another. He then successfully reorganized the defenses
which held throughout repeated insurgent attacks. Through his courage
and outstanding leadership, he contributed immeasurably to the defeat of
the Viet Cong force. Major Hackworth's extraordinary heroism in close
combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with
the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, Headquarters
United States Army Vietnam, General Orders No. 5321, (August 12, 1966)
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Vietnam), 10@ Silver
Stars, 8@ Purple Hearts
HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(Sixth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Silver
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Silver Star Medal to
David Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th
Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 26 February 1969 while serving as
Battalion Commander, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, on a reconnaissance
mission near Fire Support Base Moore. Disregarding his own safety,
Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he
had his helicopter land in an insecure area where 16 men of an eighteen
man unit lay wounded. He maneuvered throughout the embattled area
setting up a defensive perimeter with the men who were still able to
fight. He then called in a support element and led them in a sweep of
the area, routing the enemy. As a result of his courageous actions the
lives of several men were saved. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth's
extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force is
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the
United States Army.
Department of the Army, Headquarters,
9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 3290, (March 18, 1969)
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Vietnam), 10@ Silver
Stars, 8@ Purple Hearts
HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(Seventh Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf
Cluster lieu of a Seventh Award of the Silver Star Medal to David
Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th
Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 4 March 1969 while serving as
Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in
force mission near My An. Upon learning that one of his companies was
pinned down in a heavily mined area by intense hostile fire, Lieutenant
Colonel Hackworth courageously directed his pilot to land in the area.
After landing he received word that the company commander had been
seriously wounded and immediately went into the minefield, picked up the
wounded man and carried him to a relatively safe position. He then
reorganized the company and led them through a fusillade of fire to a
point where they could be extracted by helicopter. Lieutenant Colonel
Hackworth's extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile
force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and
the United States Army.
Department of the Army, Headquarters,
9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 4192, (April 8, 1969)
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Vietnam), 10@ Silver
Stars, 8@ Purple Hearts
HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(Eighth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak
Leaf Cluster lieu of an Eighth Award of the Silver Star Medal to David
Haskell Hackworth (OF- 103837), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th
Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 22 March 1969 while serving as
Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, on a reconnaissance
mission near Fire Support Base Danger. After gunships had engaged an
enemy element, Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth directed his pilot to land
in the isolated area in order to recover the enemy weapons. Upon
landing, he detected movement in a nearby bunker and braved intense
hostile fire to maneuver to the emplacement and destroy it. He then
provided covering fire as his operations officer engaged and silenced a
second enemy bunker and, after recovering the weapons, provided
suppressive fire as the helicopter lifted off. Lieutenant Colonel
Hackworth's extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile
force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and
the United States Army.
Department of the Army, Headquarters,
9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 4498, (April 14, 1969)
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Vietnam), 10@ Silver
Stars, 8@ Purple Hearts
HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(Ninth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Third
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak
Leaf Cluster lieu of an Ninth Award of the Silver Star Medal to David
Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with gallantry in action
involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th
Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant
Colonel Hackworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 22 May 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer, 4th
Battalion, 39th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in force mission. During
the late afternoon, elements of the 4th Battalion encountered stiff
enemy fire. From his light observation helicopter, which was under
continual ground fire, Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth directed effective
artillery strikes. He then rapidly gathered all available intelligence
and initiated a vigorous offensive against the large enemy forces. As
the battle progressed, Lieutenant Colonel Hackworth ignoring the fire
his helicopter was receiving, directed the gunships and ground elements
towards enemy targets, at one time throwing smoke to mark an enemy
position. The net effect of his tactical decisions and personal
gallantry was a complete rout of the enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel
Hackworth's extraordinary heroism in close combat is in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, Headquarters,
9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 6340, (June 4, 1969)
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross w/OLC (Vietnam), 10@ Silver
Stars, 8@ Purple Hearts
HAMANN, RENE
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Rene Hamann, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Hamann
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 25 May 1968 while serving
with Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry
Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 5252 (August 7, 1968)
HARDY, WILLIAM HENRY (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William Henry Hardy (0-4024213), Major, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed
enemy, while serving as a Prisoner of War in South Vietnam, during
August 1967. Major Hardy distinguished himself by escaping from a
prisoner of war camp. Recognizing that the odds for success were slight
and if he were re-captured he would receive severe torture and periods
of solitary confinement, and possible death, he continued with his
escape plan. The plan had to be carefully planned, memorized and
executed at the approximate time in August 1967. Major Hardy
successfully carried out his plan. The success of his escape was
short-lived and he was recaptured. Although he was re-captured, he
continued strong resistance and adherence to the Code of Conduct. The
extreme gallantry exhibited by Major Hardy was aptly illustrated by the
fact that so few prisoners had ever tried to escape, primarily due to
the rigid security measures employed by the enemy. His courageous and
gallant escape were more than an attempt to get him out of the prison
camp. More guards were required to try to stop Americans from escaping,
enemy troops were diverted from battle duties to search for the
escapees, and prisoner morale soared. By his heroic deed, Major Hardy
demonstrated great devotion to duty and country, disregarding concern
for his own safety, which demonstrated the highest traditions of the
military service.
Born: March 6, 1932 at Winterville,
North Carolina
Home Town: Winterville, North Carolina
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), 2@ Bronze Stars, Purple Heart,
Prisoner of War Medal
*HARRIS, ROBERT E. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert E. Harris (US-67183724), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force
on 9 May 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Harris
distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a
machinegunner with Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment,
198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his company was
conducting a combat mission near the village of Phu Vinh Dong (3) when
they suddenly came under intense rocket, mortar, and automatic weapons
fire from a numerically superior enemy force located in well-entrenched
bunkers. During the initial contact, Private Harris' platoon sergeant
was seriously wounded and unable to move to a position of safety.
Immediately, Private Harris volunteered to assist four of his fellow
soldiers in trying to assist the wounded man. With complete disregard
for his own safety, he courageously raced through the bullet-swept area
while providing accurate protective fire to cover the advance of the
other men. In the final sprint to the wounded soldier's position,
Private Harris was seriously wounded by a burst from an enemy
machinegun. In spite of his critical condition, he contrived to provide
covering fire for his comrades which greatly aided in the successful
evacuation of his wounded platoon sergeant. Private First Class Harris'
unquestionable valor while in close combat with a numerically superior
hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Americal Division,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 3712 (July 5, 1968)
*HARTMAN, THOMAS J. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Thomas J. Hartman (190-40-7500), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations
against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant
Hartman distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader with
Company C, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. On 18
November 1969, Sergeant Hartman's unit was conducting a sweep operation
north of Plei Mrong when they were engaged by a large enemy force.
Reacting immediately, Sergeant Hartman directed his armored personnel
carrier to an advantageous fighting position. He then manned his
vehicle's 50 caliber machine gun and placed a heavy volume of fire on
the enemy positions. He continued to fire on the enemy until he was
mortally wounded by an enemy B-40 rocket. Sergeant Hartman's courageous
action, professionalism and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 7530 (December 3, 1969)
*HAUGH, JAMES CURTIS (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to James Curtis Haugh (RA-55653230), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam
on 5 March 1968. Staff Sergeant Haugh distinguished himself when the
reconnaissance platoon (Tiger Force) of 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th
Infantry, 101st Airborne Division was conducting a combat operation in
the vicinity of Phu Loc, Republic of Vietnam. They were moving down a
well used trail, and were suddenly taken under intense small arms and
automatic weapons fire. The hostile fire was so intense that it rendered
the Tiger Force unable to effectively maneuver on the enemy positions.
Realizing the situation, platoon sergeant Haugh informed his men that he
was going forward in an attempt to eliminate an enemy machine gun
position. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he dashed
forward about fifty meters, roving from bush to bush while his men laid
down a base of fire in an attempt to cover his maneuver. From his
forward most position Staff Sergeant Haugh threw two K-26 hand grenades
into the machine gun trench. Oblivious to the tremendous volume of
hostile fire now directed at him, Staff Sergeant Haugh, without
hesitation, leaped forward and sprayed the trench with automatic weapons
fire. Through his actions the machine gun position was silenced, giving
the Tiger Force the fire superiority and allowing them to completely
rout the hostile force. Staff Sergeant Haugh's personal bravery and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Headquarters, 101st Airborne
Division, General Orders No. 3417 (July 14, 1968)
Home Town: Terre Haute, Indiana
HAYES, MICHAEL J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Michael J. Hayes, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving
with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st
Cavalry Division, in action while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam on 6 October 1969. When his platoon was ambushed by heavy rocket
and small arms fire from an unknown size enemy force and was unable to
maneuver, Specialist Fourth Class Hayes exposed himself to mark his
platoon's position with smoke for the aerial rocket artillery. When a
section of his platoon moved forward of its defensive line and was
immediately pinned down by intense fire, he exposed himself to the fire
as he moved to a hazardous position and placed down a heavy base of fire
until the enemy fire abated and the other men could maneuver. Specialist
Four Hayes also personally evacuated two wounded men to the rear then
returned to his position and continued to deliver accurate fire on the
enemy until severely wounded by enemy rocket fire. His gallant action is
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and
reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 1953 (February 7, 1970)
HAYHURST, ROBERT EDWARD (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Robert Edward Hayhurst (RA16972350), Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the
1st Battalion, 525th Military Intelligence Group, in the Republic of
Vietnam. Sergeant Hayhurst distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions from 30 January to 23 February 1968, while defending
against the communist Tet Offensive in the city of Hue. North Vietnamese
Army forces launched a coordinated series of devastating attacks
throughout the city on 30 January, and Sergeant Hayhurst and his team
were trapped in a house isolated from other friendly forces. After
destroying vital intelligence materials in the team's possession,
Sergeant Hayhurst distributed ammunition and weapons to other members
and deployed them in defensive positions. Sniper fire severely wounded
one of his men outside the house. Braving blazing machine gun and mortar
fire, he dashed to his fallen comrade and dragged him to safety. Several
fanatical enemy assaults reached point-blank range. He and his men
successfully repulsed them with murderous fire until their ammunition
was expended and they were captured. The team was taken to an enemy camp
outside the city. For nineteen days, Sergeant Hayhurst searched for the
opportunity to escape. On 19 February, he and twenty other prisoners
began a march to another camp. After four days of travel, one of the
guards became careless. Seizing the opportunity, Sergeant Hayhurst
dashed into the jungle and fought through densely vegetated terrain to
his own lines. Intelligence materials he provided proved highly valuable
in tracing the activities of enemy units in the area. Sergeant
Hayhurst's gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2345 (May 17, 1968)
Born: February 2, 1941 at New Richmond, Wisconsin
Home Town: New Richmond, Wisconsin
HENDRICKS, RONALD R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Ronald R. Hendricks, Captain (Infantry), [then
First Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for heroism, not involving aerial flight,
in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. On 8 February 1968, Captain Hendricks, while with
Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division,
came under heavy enemy fire. Captain Hendricks was wounded while he
personally assaulted fortified enemy positions in an attempt to retrieve
a wounded lieutenant. Although wounded Captain Hendricks refused to be
evacuated and continued to attack the enemy. Time after time he exposed
himself to intense enemy fire, thinking only of his mission and the
welfare of his men. Only after the enemy had been destroyed, their
positions taken and his men cared for did Captain Hendricks allow
himself to be evacuated. Captain Hendricks' personal bravery and
devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon him, his Unit, and the
United States army.
Home Town: Delta, Colorado
HENRY, NATHAN BARNEY (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Nathan Barney Henry (53447988), Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Prisoner of War,
in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force
in Southeast Asia on 6 November 1967. With profound courage and strong
conviction in the Code of Conduct, Sergeant Henry escaped from an enemy
prisoner of war camp, knowing that the odds for success were slight and
that if re-captured he would receive torture and long periods of
solitary confinement. The success of his escape was short lived, and he
was re-captured and punished. Staff Sergeant Henry's actions were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and
reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Born: May 13, 1947 at Franklin, North
Carolina
Home Town: Franklin, North Carolina
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), 2@ Bronze Stars, Prisoner of War
Medal
*HERINGHAUSEN, ARTHUR J., JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Arthur J. Heringhausen, Jr. (RA-11707118),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action in the
Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company F (LRRP), 58th Infantry
Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on on
20 November 1968. Specialist Four Heringhausen distinguished himself
while serving as a member of a Long Range Patrol on combat operations in
the Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1130 hours, the twelve man
team heard voices of an approaching North Vietnamese unit and
immediately set up an ambush. As the enemy moved into the kill zone the
ambush was sprung, and Specialist Heringhausen poured a steady volume of
M-16 fire into the area. The result of this action by the team was a
body count of nine enemy killed with no friendly casualties. After this
action the team moved 110 meters away for concealment, and the decision
was made to extract the team. As the first man moved toward the pick-up
zone he was seriously wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire.
Specialist Heringhausen immediately laid down a heavy volume of
suppressive fire, so that the injured man could be pulled back into the
hastily established perimeter. In doing so, Specialist Heringhausen
continuously exposed himself to the enemy fire by firing from a kneeling
position in order to make his fire more effective. As a medical
evacuation helicopter arrived and was pulling the wounded man through
the thick jungle canopy on a jungle penetrator, the enemy attacked with
an estimated platoon sized element. Again with complete disregard for
his own safety, Specialist Heringhausen knelt in an exposed position to
deliver automatic fire until the enemy assault was broken. Just as the
enemy was retreating, a large Chinese Communist Claymore Mine exploded
sending fragments into his body, killing him instantly. Through his
valorous efforts the lives of many of his fellow soldiers were saved,
and heavy casualties were inflicted upon the enemy. Specialist Four
Heringhausen's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 101st Airborne
Division, General Orders No 1345 (February 7, 1969)
Born: December 19, 1949 at Oregon, Ohio
Home Town: Oregon, Ohio
HERLIK, QUERIN EDWARD (POW)
Blank: The President of the United States takes pleasure in
presenting the Silver Star Medal to Querin Edward Herlik (0-84084),
Colonel, U.S. Army, for FOIA
Born: November 15, 1932 at Green Bay,
Wisconsin
Home Town: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Personal Awards: Silver Star, 2@ Bronze Stars, 2@ Army Commendation
Medals, Air Medal w/V, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal
HILL, BURL E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Burl E. Hill (US-54438770), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against a hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Sergeant Hill distinguished himself by valiant actions on 8
February 1968 while serving as a team leader with Company A, 1st
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. On that date, the company was heavily engaged with a
reinforced battalion of North Vietnamese Army Regulars and was under
heavy, accurate mortar and small arms fire which inflicted numerous
casualties. Sergeant Hill was on the far left flank of the company, and
when they were given the command to withdraw, he discovered that the
enemy had cut off his route of withdrawal. Observing that the 2d Platoon
had suffered severe casualties, Sergeant Hill went to their aid, moving
from position to position to administer first aid and engage several of
the hostile emplacements. Sergeant Hill courageously directed a
withering hail of fire upon the insurgents who at times advanced to
within 10 meters of his position. During the three-hour battle, he was
credited with numerous enemy kills and was responsible for saving many
lives. Sergeant Hill's unquestionable valor in close combat against a
numerically superior hostile force is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2739 (May 24, 1968)
HOLBROOK, DARRELL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Darrell Holbrook, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an
armed hostile force in Cambodia. Staff Sergeant Holbrook distinguished
himself while serving with Company C, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 6 May 1970, Company C was inserted
into an unsecured landing zone inside the Cambodian border. Staff
Sergeant Holbrook continually exposed himself to intense hostile fire as
he moved from position to position directing his men in establishing a
secure perimeter. When gunships arrived on station, Sergeant Holbrook
adjusted their fire on the entrenched enemy force. Assuming command when
the Company Commander was killed, Sergeant Holbrook organized a night
defensive perimeter and maintained security throughout the night. Staff
Sergeant Holbrook's personal bravery, outstanding leadership and
exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and
the United States Army.
Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 4510 (September 2, 1970)
HOLMAN, RICHARD J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Richard J. Holman (RA-18916093), Private First
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Holman
distinguished himself by heroic actions on 30 June 1968, while serving
with Company B, 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in the
Republic of Vietnam. While on a mine sweeping operation, a friendly
convoy was ambushed. During the ensuing action, Private Holman from his
exposed position, placed effective fire on the hostile forces stopping
their assault and allowing his comrades to deploy. Seeing that his
company commander was wounded, Private Holman, with complete disregard
for his own safety, ran through withering enemy fire to a friendly APC
telling the driver to evacuate the wounded commander. His valorous
actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and
defeat of the enemy force. Private Holman's personal bravery,
aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States
Army.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 6381 (September 13, 1968)
*HOLSINGER, GARY OLSON (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Gary Olson Holsinger (US-51645354),
Corporal [then Private First Class], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action
while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Corporal Holsinger
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action 4 February 1968,
while serving as a rifleman with Company B, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry,
1st Cavalry Division, during a combat mission near Hue, Republic of
Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force,
Private First Class Holsinger exposed himself to the hostile fire as he
placed effective suppressive fire on the assaulting enemy force. While
engaging the enemy, Private First Class Holsinger was mortally wounded,
but his action inflicted numerous hostile casualties and contributed
greatly to the successful repulsion of the enemy attack. Private First
Class Holsinger's gallant action was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 3484 (May 17, 1968)
Home Town: New Boston, Ohio
*HORNER, CARL NICHOLAS MAPES (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Carl Nicholas Mapes Horner (US-56712312),
Corporal [then Private First Class], U.S. Army, for conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 3d
Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division on 7 September 1968.
Corporal Horner was serving as lead rifleman with a reconnaissance
platoon on a heliborne operation near Trung Lap, Republic of Vietnam.
Landing in an area of open rice paddies, the reconnaissance platoon
immediately came under small arms fire from what was later estimated to
be a battalion sized force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars hidden in a
nearby woodline. Using fire and maneuver tactics, the platoon began
moving across two hundred meters of open rice paddies toward a small
mound about seventy-five meters from, and running parallel to, the
woodline. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First
Class Horner repeatedly left positions of cover behind rice paddy dikes
and crossed open terrain as he led the first squad. When the platoon
reached the mound, Private First Class Horner fearlessly stood up and
led the platoon in an aggressive assault on the woodline. Seven
concealed enemy machine guns suddenly initiated fire. Surprised by this
barrage of small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket propelled grenade
fire, the platoon was forced to make maximum use of the limited
available cover in the rice paddies. To draw the enemy's attention and
fire to himself, Private First Class Horner repeatedly stood up and
fired quick bursts at the enemy with his M-16 rifle. As a result,
several of his comrades were able to pull back to more secure positions.
Private First Class Horner then noticed a wounded comrade lying in an
unprotected position near an enemy machine gun. He immediately charged
into the open in an assault on the position. Although he was mortally
wounded in the attempt, others were able to take advantage of the
diversion to move the wounded man to safety. Private First Class
Horner's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 101st Airborne
Division, General Orders No. 2383 (March 17, 1969)
Home Town: San Bernardino, California
*HORST, ROBERT LOUIS (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert Louis Horst (486542114), Warrant
Officer (WO-1), U.S. Army (Reserve), for gallantry in action while
engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with the 159th Medical
Detachment. Warrant Officer Horst distinguished himself on 27 December
1971 while serving as an Aircraft Commander of an aero-medical
evacuation helicopter on a mission to evacuate the crew of a downed
United States Army helicopter ten miles to the northwest of the city of
Trang Bang, Republic of Vietnam. An insertion of the Republic of Vietnam
forces took place in the area of XT 4020. A subsequent insertion drew
heavy enemy fire, badly damaging one of the lift aircraft, heavy
casualties were sustained and a request was made by the ARVN ground
commander for a medical evacuation helicopter. Tomahawk 13 made an
approach to the landing zone to attempt a pick up of wounded ARVNs. The
fusillade of fire directed upon him caused him to abort the approach and
attempt to climb out. At this time a rocket hit the aircraft and caused
the ship to crash and burn. The crew managed to escape. Dust Off 107
piloted by Mr. Horst entered the landing zone and remained on the ground
amidst intense enemy fire and not until all of the Americans and ten of
the Vietnamese soldiers had been loaded did he depart the landing zone.
Warrant Officer Horst's gallantry in action was in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, U.S. Army Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1227 (October 27, 1972)
Born: June 20, 1950 at St. Louis, Missouri
Home Town: Springfield, Missouri
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (Vietnam)
*HOSEY, TOMMY BRYAN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Tommy Bryan Hosey (US-53671087), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile
force while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry
Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Private First Class Hosey distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 June 1968 while serving
as a rifleman on a reconnaissance in force mission in Plain Reeds,
Republic of Vietnam. Immediately after landing, the company came under
intense automatic weapons fire from a battalion of Viet Cong in an
adjacent enemy bunker complex. The Company commander and several squad
leaders were wounded during the first few moments of contact. Completely
disregarding his own safety, Private Hosey attempted to reorganize his
squad for an assault on the enemy bunkers. Jumping up from his concealed
position, Private Hosey aggressively charged the fortifications and
although he received several wounds in the process, continued his
assault. Private Hosey maintained contact with the enemy until he was
wounded by hostile fire. His extraordinary heroism in close combat
against Viet Cong forces was in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Home Town: Stringer, Mississippi
HUDSON, EUGENE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Eugene Hudson, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam on
22 July 1963. As an Advisor to a Vietnamese Ranger Battalion, Sergeant
Hudson rendered invaluable assistance, advice, and encouragement to the
2d Platoon, 1st Company, 33d Ranger Battalion, Army of Vietnam, during
an encounter with hostile forces. While the Platoon was maneuvering
across an open valley, it was suddenly swept by hostile forces which
greatly outnumbered them and received an onslaught of heavy automatic
rifle and machine gun fire. Sergeant Hudson then displayed fortitude,
professional skill, and determination by occupying an exposed position
to assist his counterparts. During the entire operation, he remained
cool and calculating, bravely making seven trips under intense gun fire
to carry wounded Vietnamese soldiers across a small creek to a covered
position. Through his strategy, perseverance, and valorous conduct, he
inspired his Vietnamese comrades to emulate his actions, which resulted
in a pause in the intensity of hostile gun fire and enabled the Platoon
to move to a more advantageous position and continue their operations
effectively. Sergeant Hudson's conspicuous gallantry and unselfish
actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and
reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General
Orders No. 15 (April 23, 1964)
*HUNSLEY, DENNIS ROGER (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Dennis Roger Hunsley (0-5347868), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action on 8 December 1968, while serving with Company
C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the
Republic of Vietnam. While in a night laager position Company C came
under intense enemy fire. When Lieutenant Hunsley observed an enemy
rocket propelled grenade crew preparing to destroy several vehicles, he
secured a 90-mm. recoilless rifle and neutralized the hostile
insurgents. Lieutenant Hunsley then aided in the evacuation of the
wounded, even though the area was being heavily mortared. His valorous
actions contributed immeasurably to the thwarting of the enemy force and
the success of the mission. Lieutenant Hunsley's personal bravery,
aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States
Army.
Home Town: Hannibal, Missouri
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (Vietnam)
HURWITZ, RONALD L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Ronald L. Hurwitz, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Hurwitz
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 May 1969,
while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, 4th Battalion, 39th
Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force
mission in Giao Duc District. As the platoon was moving through a
heavily-mined area, one of the mines exploded, wounding a man. Sergeant
First Class Hurwitz unhesitatingly advanced through the hazardous area
to his fallen comrade's side. After applying first aid, he moved the
casualty to a relatively safe position from which he could be evacuated.
Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant First Class
Hurwitz selflessly volunteered to walk point and cleared a path for the
rest of the company through the mined area. Later that night, when his
platoon came under sudden attack by hostile rocket fire, Sergeant First
Class Hurwitz boldly exposed himself to the enemy fire as he moved from
position to position, directing the fire of his men. It was through his
outstanding leadership and inspiring example that the enemy was overcome
without the incurrence of any friendly casualties. Sergeant Hurwitz's
extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects
great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United
States Army.
Headquarters, Department of the Army,
General Orders No. 9683 (July 10, 1969)
Home Town: Bronx, New York
*JACKSON, RAY L. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ray L. Jackson, Private First Class, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Jackson
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 25 August 1968 while
serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in close
combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 6934 (September 6, 1968)
JENSEN, KENNETH W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Kenneth W. Jensen (0-533927), First Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. On 14 February 1968, Lieutenant Jensen was serving
as a Platoon Leader with Company D, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, during a reconnaissance in force
operation approximately three kilometers southwest of the village of Thu
Duc. As the unit proceeded through an area of rice fields and coconut
groves, part of his platoon was forced to take cover from sudden hostile
rocket, automatic weapons, and machine gun fire. He immediately moved
through the hail of enemy rounds to deploy his remaining squad into
advantageous positions from which they brought accurate retaliatory fire
upon the insurgents. With complete disregard for his personal safety,
Lieutenant Jensen began crawling beneath the hostile fire toward a
wounded man on the enemy side of a berm. As he attempted to rescue the
individual, he became hit in the chest by enemy fire and was unable to
help the man. Lieutenant Jensen then placed rapid and accurate fire on
the insurgents from his location while others moved the casualty to
relative safety. He was again hit by the intense fire, but refused
medical attention until he had led his men in a withdrawal so that
artillery fire could be employed. The extraordinary courage and dynamic
leadership displayed by Lieutenant Jensen despite his wounds were
instrumental in limiting friendly casualties, and significantly
contributed toward the defeat of the Viet Cong. First Lieutenant
Jensen's unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically
superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest tradition of the
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st
Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 2268 (March 15, 1968)
*JENSEN, TERANCE KAY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Terance Kay Jensen (17276985), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in connection with military
operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 35th
Air Police Squadron, 28th Air Base Group, 13th Air Force, at DaNang Air
Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 1 July 1965. On that date, at
approximately 0130 hours, Sergeant Jensen was on routine security patrol
when he observed approximately 15 men of a hostile force infiltrating
the area. He directed a subordinate air policeman who was on duty in the
area to take cover in a nearby bunker and alert Central Security Control
of the situation. He dismounted from his vehicle and was immediately
wounded by small arms fire. He crawled to the rear of the vehicle, drew
his weapon and returned fire. The prompt action of Sergeant Jensen was a
dominant factor in causing the enemy to withdraw from the immediate area
where approximately 25 unarmed fellow airmen had taken cover. By his
gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Jensen has reflected great
credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Home Town: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
*JOHNSON, CHARLES LEO (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles Leo Johnson (0-5536778), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action while serving with Troop B, 3d Squadron, 4th
Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Johnson distinguished
himself by heroic actions on 23 June 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam.
At approximately 0930 hours while the first platoon was on a
reconnaissance mission, the platoon was attacked by a Viet Cong force of
unknown size firing anti-tank and automatic weapons. The fire came from
well concealed firing positions in a densely vegetated woods on the
platoon's right flank. As soon as his platoon came under attack
Lieutenant Johnson, the first platoon leader, directed his platoon into
a flanking movement and charged the Viet Cong positions. While he was
leading the assault, his armored personnel carrier received a direct hit
from an anti-tank weapon and came under intense fire from automatic
weapons and hand grenades. With his vehicle thus disabled and several
members of his crew wounded, Lieutenant Johnson attempted to dismount
his vehicle so that he could continue the assault when he was mortally
wounded by an enemy hand grenade. Still responding to Lieutenant
Johnson's aggressive leadership, the first platoon continued its assault
on the position until the enemy positions were silenced. Lieutenant
Johnson's aggressive reaction and outstanding leadership inspired his
men and enabled them to rout a well entrenched enemy force. Lieutenant
Johnson's gallantry in action is in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflects, great credit upon himself, his
unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Marshfield, Wisconsin
JOHNSON, FORREST L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Forrest L. Johnson, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Johnson distinguished himself by
intrepid actions on 8 May 1968 while serving with Company B, 1st
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with
the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 7312 (September 19, 1968)
*JOHNSON, GARY LEE (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Gary Lee Johnson (RA-505663434), Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st
Cavalry Division. On 18 June 1971, Specialist Fourth Class Johnson's
platoon was conducting a search and clear mission in the Long Khanh
providence of the Republic of Vietnam. During the mission, the platoon
came under rocket and small arms fire from approximately seven enemy
bunkers. Specialist Fourth Class Johnson realized the danger to his
fellow soldiers, moved close to the enemy bunkers, and placed
suppressive fire on the enemy. His actions permitted his platoon to
withdraw, with their wounded, to a more secure area. At the cost of his
own life, Specialist Fourth Class Johnson saved his platoon from
incurring additional casualties. Specialist Fourth Class Johnson's
gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Home Town: Omaha, Nebraska
JOHNSON, LAWRENCE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Lawrence E. Johnson (W-3157822), Warrant Officer
(W1), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving
with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, on 12
June 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Johnson
distinguished himself by valorous actions while serving as the Aircraft
Commander of a troop carrying helicopter that was called to rescue a
friendly ground unit in heavy contact with the enemy west of Dak To. He
boldly approached the landing zone under heavy enemy fire and proceeded
to hover adeptly to lower ropes for the extraction of four personnel.
Enemy fire concentration was so heavy that strikes by Air Force "Skyraiders"
failed to greatly decrease it previous to Warrant Officer Johnson's
approach. The supporting helicopter gunships then made firing passes
which failed to suppress enemy fire or to cover his approach.
Nevertheless, he courageously made his sorties into the landing zone in
support of the marooned unit. Without Warrant Officer Johnson's fearless
determination to rescue the surrounded unit, they would have been
annihilated. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade,
General Orders No. 5942 (August 28, 1968)
*JOJOLA, HARRY DANIEL (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Harry Daniel Jojola (US-572664794), Staff
Sergeant [then Sergeant], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action. Sergeant
Jojola distinguished himself by heroic actions on 7 April 1970, while
serving with Company C, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 25th
Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 April 1970, Company
C was acting as a blocking force on the edge of a jungled area when they
came in contact with a large enemy force. Upon receiving fire, Sergeant
Jojola organized his squad and engaged the enemy. Sergeant Jojola then
maneuvered his men into strategic fighting positions where they placed
maximum effective suppressive fire on the insurgents. When one of his
advance elements came under fire and received several injuries, Sergeant
Jojola, with complete disregard for his own safety, began moving into
the woodline to evacuate the fallen men. During this attempt, he was
fatally wounded. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the
success of the action and the thwarting of the hostile force. Sergeant
Jojola's bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 4752 (April 28, 1970)
Home Town: Santa Clara, California
*KAMP, THOMAS KEITH (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Thomas Keith Kamp (US-024340380), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 17
November 1969 while serving as a squad leader with Company B, 2nd
Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, near
Fire Support Base Jamie (Tay Ninh Province). When the point squad was
taken under fire by an entrenched enemy platoon and several casualties
resulted, Sergeant Kamp rushed forward into the contact area and began
delivering a heavy volume of fire. Efforts to rescue the wounded were
drawing enemy fire from a position to his front. Realizing the enemy
position would have to be eliminated in order to extract the wounded,
Sergeant Kamp assaulted the well fortified bunker, knocking it out with
a fragmentation grenade. As he attempted to move back and help with the
evacuation of the wounded, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire.
Home Town: Longmeadow, Massachusetts
*KARNES, LESLIE LEROY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Leslie Leroy Karnes (RA-499387945),
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action on 16 February 1971 while serving as
Operations/Intelligence Advisor on Mobile Advisory Team IV-102, Kien An
District, Kien Giang Province, Republic of Vietnam. On that date
Sergeant Karnes was operating a Boston Whaler in which the Province
Senior Advisor, Kien An District Advisor, and the Team 55 First Sergeant
were passengers. The party had been inspecting the construction of
outposts in the U-Minh Forrest and were returning by canal to the Kien
An District Headquarters when they were ambushed by a North Vietnamese
reconnaissance unit. So intense was the small arms and B-40 rocket fire
that it was impossible to return immediate fire. Though mortally wounded
and completely exposed to enemy fire, Sergeant Karnes continued to
maneuver the boat and swung it directly into the ambush site, thereby
providing his comrades with their only chance for survival. Due to
Sergeant Karnes' singularly heroic actions, his decisive and
professional bearing, and complete dedication to his responsibilities in
the heat of battle, the Kien An District Senior Advisor and Team First
Sergeant were able to stay the Viet Cong until rescued by a hastily
formed rescue squad. Sergeant First Class Karnes' conspicuous gallantry
in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United
States Army and reflected great credit upon himself and the military
service.
Headquarters, U.S. Military
Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1107 (March 6, 1971)
Home Town: Sikeston, Missouri
*KAUPP, CURTIS JAMES (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Curtis James Kaupp, Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
connection with military operations against a hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Kaupp distinguished himself
by intrepid actions on 21 November 1968 while serving with Company A, 2d
Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. When
his unit's forward operational base came under an intense enemy attack,
Specialist Kaupp continuously held his position against the repeated
attacks, enabling the remainder of his unit to reorganize and repel the
attack. His valiant efforts prevented the enemy from overrunning the
forward operational base, but in doing so, Specialist Kaupp was mortally
wounded. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his
unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, First Cavalry Division,
General Orders No 14687 (1968)
Born: July 5, 1947 at Gregory, South Dakota
Home Town: Gregory, South Dakota
KELLEY, WILLIAM D.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William D. Kelley, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Kelley
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 30 April 1968 while serving
as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in close
combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 7812 (October 6, 1968)
KELLY, BILLY R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Billy R. Kelly (US-54819252), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. Sergeant Kelly
distinguished himself by heroic actions on 19 December 1967, while
serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry
Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, on a squad operation at Bo Tuc,
Republic of Vietnam. Serving forward on a listening post, Sergeant Kelly
was in command of six men. When a heavy Viet Cong mortar attack was
launched upon the battalion perimeter, Sergeant Kelly provided an
initial report on the source of the mortar rounds, thus enabling
immediate counter mortar fire. Realizing that a huge enemy force was
approaching the perimeter, Sergeant Kelly professionally directed
artillery, air strikes, and gunship fire on the enemy locations. At
times he called the bombardment in so close that his listening post
received heavy amounts of fragments, repeatedly endangering his own
life. Due to Sergeant Kelly's valorous actions, the main force of the
enemy was eliminated prior to its arrival at the perimeter. He and his
squad were credited with the destruction of the major part of the Viet
Cong attack. Sergeant Kelly and his men were also responsible for
silencing the enemy mortar tubes which were pounding the perimeter.
Sergeant Kelly's personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty
are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 3978 (May 29, 1968)
Born: September 24, 1947 at Tiptonville, Tennessee
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Army Commendation Medal, Purple
Heart
KEPHART, TIMOTHY G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Timothy G. Kephart, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
exceptionally valorous actions on 24 March 1967 while serving as team
leader of a six man Special Forces reconnaissance team on a combat
mission near Dak To. While deployed near a trail to observe enemy
activity in the area, Sergeant Kephart detected two North Vietnamese
soldiers moving toward his position. He calmly waited until they came
within two meters of his position and jumped onto the trail. With his
weapon aimed at the enemy soldiers, he ordered them both to stop. They
attempted to shoot him, and one of his men, but he quickly killed one
insurgent while a comrade shot the other. Sergeant Kephart moved to
search the body for intelligence material but was forced to take cover
under a savage barrage from a numerically superior hostile force
advancing on his position. He saw one of his men wounded by the intense
fire and completely ignored his own safety to move to his aid. With
bullets striking all around him, he treated the casualty and carried him
to safety. He called for rescue aircraft and personally carried the
wounded man through a hail of automatic weapons fire to a landing zone.
His fearless leadership enabled the team to escape the overwhelming
enemy force in the face of grave danger.
RV, General Orders No: 6081 -
(November 24, 1967)
KING, JACK L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jack L. King, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while
serving with Battery B, 2d Battalion, 35th Artillery Regiment, 54th
Field Artillery Group. Private First Class King distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions during an attack on the American base
camp at Xuan Loc, on 18 May 1969. Shortly after the compound came under
intense mortar and rocket attack, the commander of an adjacent battery
unit came to Private King's unit and requested volunteers to help
evacuate wounded personnel a the other end of the compound. Without
hesitation, Private King proceeded to the sector under heaviest attack
and helped to transport injured personnel to the safety of a centrally
located aid station. He then returned to his assigned sector which was
under fire from hostile forces who had penetrated the perimeter, and
attempted to aid a wounded vehicle driver. While in this attempt he was
struck in the shoulder by small arms fire, but continued his effort to
return the casualty to safety. Private First Class King's gallantry in
action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United
States Army.
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 2849 (July 25, 1969)
KNIGHT, MARION W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Marion W. Knight (RA-25731229), Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. Staff
Sergeant Knight distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions
on 22 January 1968, while serving as Section Leader conducting night
escort duties with his truck mounted M55 "quad fifty" machine
gun, with Battery A, 4th Battalion, 60th Artillery. At 2255 hours the
convoy control jeep hit a command detonated mine, injuring three men.
Instantly, another mine was detonated, riddling the M55 machine gun and
injuring Sergeant Knight. A Viet Cong reinforced squad simultaneously
saturated the area with automatic weapons fire. Unhesitatingly, Sergeant
Knight directed 8,500 rounds of .50 caliber retaliatory fire and, while
still under intense hostile fire, quickly evacuated two of the three
wounded men from the destroyed jeep. Upon returning to the jeep, he
realized that the third man was gravely wounded and could not be moved.
Sergeant Knight then removed his own protective vest and shirt, placed
them on the wounded man for protection and immediately administered
first aid. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he radioed
for reinforcements and then directed a medical evacuation helicopter to
a landing area by use of a flashlight. After the evacuation of the
wounded personnel, Sergeant Knight quickly stripped all sensitive and
useful materials from the jeep. Upon the arrival of reinforcements,
Sergeant Knight rallied his men and continued his mission. Only after
arrival at his destination did he report to the hospital for treatment
of his wounded leg. Sergeant Knight's actions were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, I Field Force, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 246 (March 16, 1968)
KOBASHIGAWA, TOM YOSHIHISA (POW)
Blank: The President of the United States takes pleasure in
presenting the Silver Star Medal to Tom Yoshihisa Kobashigawa
(RA-68076332), Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for FOIA
Born: April 6, 1948 at Honolulu, Hawaii
Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
Personal Awards: Silver Star, Bronze Star, 2@ Army Commendation Medals,
Prisoner of War Medal
*KOLKA, EDWARD LOUIS (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Edward Louis Kolka (US-56455755), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while
serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st
Infantry division, in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 March 1968.
On this date, Sergeant Kolka was serving as a squad leader for the point
element of a company size reconnaissance in force operation south of Lai
Khe. While moving through a dense vegetation they discovered a large
enemy base camp. Suddenly, they were subjected to intensive small arms
and automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Kolka unhesitatingly deployed his
men and began directing devastating fire on the insurgents. With
complete disregard for his personal safety, he ignored the hostile fire
as he moved from position to position directing his men's fire. While
moving toward a friendly position he noticed a wounded soldier lying in
an exposed position. He continued to ignore the enemy rounds as he ran
to his wounded comrade and dragged him to a position of safety.
Returning to his squad, Sergeant Kolka discovered the heaviest fire was
coming from a nearby enemy bunker. He crawled to within 20 meters of the
bunker, threw two grenades inside and silenced the position. While
moving toward a second bunker he was mortally wounded by hostile fire.
His dauntless courage as demonstrated by his selfless sacrifice inspired
his comrades who went on to rout the enemy force. Sergeant Kolka's
unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior
hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry
Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 3317 (April 9, 1968)
Home Town: Hancock, Michigan
*KUBE, JOSEPH BERNARD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Joseph Bernard Kube (0-5322552), Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th
Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Kube
distinguished himself by heroic actions on 2 April 1968, while serving
as Company Commander for Company B, on a search and destroy operation in
Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. When the company began
receiving intense enemy sniper fire Captain Kube deployed his troops and
called for helicopter gunships to strafe the area. He then maneuvered
his platoons to engage the enemy positions and positioned himself at the
front of his unit. Spotting a group of enemy troops fleeing the battle
he directed his men against the insurgents and, although seriously
wounded, succeeded in killing several of the Viet Cong. While still
directing his men Captain Kube succumbed from his wounds. His valorous
actions were responsible for the successful completion of the mission
and the defeat of the enemy force. Captain Kube's personal bravery,
aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States
Army.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 3603 (May 14, 1968)
Home Town: Warrens, Wisconsin
KUSHNER, FLOYD HAROLD (POW)
Blank: The President of the United States takes pleasure in
presenting the Silver Star Medal to Floyd Harold Kushner, Lieutenant
Colonel (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for FOIA
Born: June 30, 1941 at Danville,
Virginia
Home Town: Richmond, Virginia
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Bronze Star, 3@ air Medals, Army
Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal
LACOMIS, JOHN S.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John S. Lacomis, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class
Lacomis distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 8 February 1968
while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment,
198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. His unquestionable valor in
close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Americal Division,
and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2168 (May 10, 1968)
LAMBERT, NORMAN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Norman H. Lambert, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 September 1970.
Sergeant Lambert distinguished himself while serving as Operations
Sergeant of the 1st Battalion, 502 Infantry, Thua Thein Province,
Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant was accompanying a rifle platoon when the
forward element came under intense fire. The platoon medic stepped on a
mine as he moved to the aid of the wounded pointman. Sergeant Lambert,
with conspicuous disregard for his own life, he began maneuvering
through the heavy volume of enemy fire to the aid of the wounded medic.
He administered first aid under fire and began carrying the medic back
through the mined area until he had the wounded man to cover. He then
unhesitatingly returned through the mined area and enemy fire to recover
the pointman. After applying first aid under direct fire from the enemy
he carried the man to cover and safety. After he was satisfied that the
wounded men were being taken care of he picked up his weapon and
assisted in routing the enemy force and then called in the medevac
helicopter. Sergeant Lambert's unselfish acts resulted in the saving the
lives of the two men who would have otherwise died from their wounds.
Sergeant Lambert's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Home Town: Ohio
*LANDERS, EDMOND JOHN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Edmond John Landers (0-5320185), Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 18th
Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division on 15 May 1968. On this date,
Captain Landers was serving as the Commander of his unit on a
reconnaissance in force mission near the village of Thu Duc. While
moving through an area of thick vegetation, the friendly force was
suddenly subjected to intense machine gun and automatic weapons fire
from a numerically superior Viet Cong force. The insurgents occupied a
series of well-concealed and strongly fortified bunkers and all
approaches to the hostile positions were covered by integrated patterns
of fire. At the time of the initial contact, Captain Landers
courageously led his men forward through the intense hostile fire. He
ignored the enemy rounds hitting all around him as he moved from
position to position checking for casualties and adjusting friendly
artillery fire upon the well-entrenched insurgents. Captain Landers then
led an assault across an open rice paddy and from this forward position
he was able to direct effective fire on four enemy bunkers. He directed
evacuation helicopters into the area to insure that t he wounded would
be promptly extracted. Once again he reorganized his men and had them
continue their assault. Moving through the area, destroying numerous
enemy bunkers, Captain Landers suddenly spotted several Viet Cong about
to fire from a pagoda. He shouted for his men to take cover but before
he himself could reach safety, he was hit and mortally wounded. His
selfless concern for the welfare of his men and gallant efforts
undoubtedly saved numerous friendly lives and contributed significantly
to the defeat of the large Viet Cong force. Captain Landers'
unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior
hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry
Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 5133 (May 30, 1968)
Born: July 7, 1937 at Ireland Home Town: Vacaville, California
*LARRABEE, STEVEN MICHAEL (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Steven Michael Larrabee (557725118),
Warrant Officer (WO-1), U.S. Army (Reserve), for gallantry in action
while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force while serving with Troop F, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant
Officer Larrabee distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action
on 24 March 1971 in the Republic of Vietnam. While on an aerial
reconnaissance mission in heavily infested enemy territory, Warrant
Officer Larrabee spotted an enemy bunker complex well-concealed by the
jungle canopy. Disregarding the extreme danger of the hostile
environment, Warrant Officer Larrabee descended into the area to collect
valuable intelligence data for the accomplishment of the mission.
Despite immediate enemy fire, Warrant Officer Larrabee, with complete
disregard for his own safety, continued into the area and reported vital
information to his headquarters. While performing his perilous duties in
the face of extreme danger, Warrant Officer Larrabee's aircraft came
under intense hostile fire from enemy rockets which caused the aircraft
to crash. His gallantry in action is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile), General Orders No. 8125 (April 25, 1971)
Home Town: Irvine, California
LAURICK, JOHN P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John P. Laurick, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 24 June 1966.
On this date, while on a search and destroy mission, Specialist
Laurick's platoon moved past another element which had been hit with two
claymore mines. In doing so, the platoon hoped to keep in contact with
the Viet Cong snipers. As they moved about 100 meters past the stricken
platoon, several Viet Cong claymore mines exploded. Specialist Laurick's
platoon sustained three immediate casualties. At the same time the
claymores were detonated, the men received automatic weapons as well as
several small arms fire from the Viet Cong snipers in the area.
Specialist Laurick, acting as squad leader of the third squad, moved his
men on line and started to advance towards the Viet Cong position. The
hostile fire intensified, forcing his squad to crawl forward. Displaying
outstanding leadership at all times, he kept complete control over his
men. Upon seeing one of the members of his platoon critically wounded,
Specialist Laurick ran to his aid and carried him back to the rear for
medical treatment. After returning to his squad, Specialist Laurick
located a well entrenched Viet Cong machine gun position. With complete
disregard for his own safety, he charged the position and successfully
destroyed it with hand grenades. He then turned his attention to snipers
concealed in the trees, killing two of them. After this he ran into the
open, yelled to his squad to follow him, and spearheaded an assault into
the insurgent positions. Specialist Four Laurick's unquestionable valor
in close combat against superior hostile forces is in keeping with the
finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Ohio
*LAWRENCE, JOHN WINSLOW, JR. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to John Winslow Lawrence, Jr. (003-26-6246),
Major (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major
(Infantry) Lawrence distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 16
September 1971 while serving with Advisory Team 91, Military Assistance
Command, Vietnam. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping
with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great
credit upon himself, the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, and the
United States Army.
Home Town: Farmington, New Hampshire
LAWSON, WARREN L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Warren L. Lawson, Private First Class, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action on 14 June 1967 during Operation Billings,
Private First Class Lawson was serving as a Mortarman on a search and
destroy operation in a Viet Cong infested jungle of War Zone D. When his
unit became heavily engaged in battle with an insurgent force, air
strikes were called onto the enemy position. During the battle, the
forward element was in danger of being hit by the friendly air strikes
because of a shortage of smoke grenades to mark their position. Private
First Class Lawson volunteered to supply the vital grenades although a
restrictive volume of machine-gun fire was being directed on his
position by a Viet Cong who had broken through the friendly lines.
Crawling toward the insurgent, he fired an accurate burst with his
rifle, killing the enemy machine-gunner. Undeterred by the intensifying
hostile fire, Private First Class Lawson ran to the lead element's
position and marked its location. His display of courageous
determination and devotion to duty saved numerous American lives and
contributed to his unit's victory over the Viet Cong. Private First
Class Lawson's unquestionable valor in close combat against hostile
forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and
the United States Army.
Home Town: Ohio
LEWIS, FREDDIE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Freddie Lewis (RA-54344112), Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Lewis distinguished himself by intrepid actions
on 8 February 1968 while serving as a Squad Leader in Company A, 1st
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. On that date, company A was on a mission to sweep through the
village of Lo Giang and clear it of a reinforced Viet Cong battalion
which threatened the vast military complex at DaNang. As the company
maneuvered through an exposed rice paddy en route to the village, they
came under intense mortar and small arms fire from an enemy force of
undetermined size. Sergeant Lewis was close to the command group during
this initial burst of fire, and by displaying professional competence he
was able to maintain excellent control of his squad. With complete
disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself to the enemy fire as he
helped assist the seriously wounded men back to the safety of the
weapons platoon position. After deploying his men in a defensive
perimeter, Sergeant Lewis made repeated trips into the open rice paddy
to aid the wounded personnel. On one of these trips, he was severely
wounded in the wrist. Refusing medical evacuation, he disregarded his
painful wound to continue on with his mission. Sergeant Lewis was
instrumental in saving many lives, and his encouragement contributed
greatly to the morale of the men on the battlefield. Staff Sergeant
Lewis' personal bravery, aggressiveness and determination, and deep
dedication to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal
Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 2737 (May 24, 1968)
LEWIS, MICHAEL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Michael Lewis (RA-12771915), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in actions. Sergeant Lewis distinguished himself by heroic
actions on 11 March 1969, while serving with the 25th Military Police
Company, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. The 25th
Infantry Division Logistical Convoy came under an intense hostile
attack. Spotting several enemy positions, Sergeant Lewis dauntlessly
directed several armored personnel carriers against them. Seeing a
wounded soldier stranded in the bullet-swept area, Sergeant Lewis, with
complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to a heavy volume
of hostile fire as he evacuated the wounded soldier to safety. His
valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission
and the defeat of the hostile force. Sergeant Lewis' personal bravery,
aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States
Army.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 5558 (April 18, 1969)
*LIBBEY, MALCOM PIERCE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Malcom Pierce Libbey (RA-51293594), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
while assigned to Advisory Team 86, U.S. Military Assistance Command,
Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Libbey distinguished himself by gallantry in
action on 12 October 1967 while serving as Light Weapons Infantry
Advisor to the 4th Battalion, 50th Regiment, 25th Infantry Division,
Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, the battalion
headquarters, Long An Province, came under attack from an estimated
reinforced Vietcong company. At the onset, he moved to the advisory
bunker with other members of the team. The bunker was the target of two
accurately thrown hand grenades which exploded within the bunker causing
serious wounds to Sergeant Libbey. Thinking that the other men in the
bunker had all been killed, Sergeant Libbey, ignoring the extreme
danger, moved from the bunker through the fireswept areas to the
Assistant Battalion Advisor who was located in the team's quarters.
Although seriously wounded, Sergeant Libbey assumed a position inside
the house and provided covering fire as his comrade operated the only
remaining radio. An enemy grenade detonated a short distance from his
position causing even more severe wounds. Ignoring his multiple
injuries, Sergeant Libbey continued to offer protective fire until a
second grenade mortally wounded him. As a result of his extraordinary
valor and absolute dedication to duty, the other team members were able
to prepare a defensive perimeter and remove the wounded to a secure
area. Sergeant Libbey's conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping
with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected
great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, U.S. Military
Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 228 (January 28, 1968)
Home Town: Rockland, Maine
*LOOS, THOMAS W. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Thomas W. Loos, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Loos distinguished himself by
intrepid actions on 4 February 1968 while serving with Company D, 2d
Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. His
unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Perryville, Missouri
*LOOS, THOMAS W. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Thomas W. Loos, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile
force in Hue, Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Loos distinguished
himself by intrepid actions on 4 February 1968 while serving with
Company B, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.
His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Perryville, Missouri
*LOPP, JAMES LEONARD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to James Leonard Lopp (US-54808850),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a
hostile force on 8 February 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist
Fourth Class Lopp distinguished himself by intrepid actions while
serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company A, 1st Battalion,
6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, while
on a search and destroy mission south of DaNang. At approximately 1230
hours, they came under intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire
from a hostile force of estimated battalion size. Specialist Lopp
immediately marked his position on the right flank of the element with a
smoke grenade for their approaching gunships. He then proceeded to
assist his gunner by supplying ammunition and by pointing out enemy
positions for him. During this action, Specialist Lopp was wounded by
small arms fire, but disregarding his injury and refusing evacuation, he
fearlessly continued with his mission. When his platoon was ordered to
pull back, Specialist Lopp took charge of the machinegun to provide fire
cover for his comrades' withdrawal. While gallantly delivering accurate
fire upon the enemy, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Four Lopp's
personal bravery and avid devotion to duty were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit
upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 1285 (March 12, 1968)
Home Town: Scales Mound, Illinois
*LUTGE, THOMAS ALBERT (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Thomas Albert Lutge (RA-28179489), Sergeant
First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of
Vietnam on 25 July 1968. Platoon Sergeant Lutge distinguished himself
what serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company A, 2d Battalion
(Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on a
combat operation in Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. His company
was transported by helicopters into a suspected enemy held area. As they
moved out on the ground they made contact with an unknown size element
of a North Vietnamese Battalion. Throughout the ensuing battle, Platoon
Sergeant Lutge fearlessly moved among his men to direct their fire while
repeatedly exposed to the intense hostile small arms and automatic
weapons fire. During the fire fight he personally saw to it that his men
were constantly resupplied with ammunition. Then, seeing his platoon
leader wounded, Platoon Sergeant Lutge moved forward to extract the
injured man. As he moved forward he was mortally wounded by the enemy
fire. Platoon Sergeant Lutge's personal bravery and devotion to duty
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 101st Airborne
Division, General Orders No. 8442 (October 28, 1968)
Born: July 2, 1937 at San Francisco, California
Home Town: San Francisco, California
*LUTZE, JOHN EDWIN (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to John Edwin Lutze (US-54981165), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First
Class Lutze distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 8 November 1968
while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 25th
Infantry Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects
great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United
States Army.
Born: September 6, 1948 at Flint,
Michigan
Home Town: Flint, Michigan
