*MADDEN, RORY ANTONIO (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Rory Antonio Madden (0-5329224), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army (Reserve), for gallantry in action
while engaged in close combat against an armed hostile force while
serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th
Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Madden
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 October
1967, while serving as the Platoon Leader of a Reconnaissance Platoon on
a combat operation in the jungles of Vietnam. As the unit moved through
an area of thick vegetation, it suddenly came under an intense volume of
automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed Viet
Cong force estimated to be of company size. Seeing two of his men fall
wounded in the initial burst of enemy fire, Lieutenant Madden
immediately rushed forward to the soldiers in an effort to move them
back to a covered position. Although exposing himself to a torrent of
enemy fire, Lieutenant Madden bravely advanced forward, pouring a
devastating volume of fire on the insurgents. As he neared the position
of the two wounded soldiers, Lieutenant Madden was struck by a burst of
enemy automatic weapons fire and critically wounded. He was quickly
evacuated to a medical facility where he succumbed to his wounds.
Lieutenant Madden's unwavering dedication to the safety of his men and
his extreme courage were an inspiration to all those with whom he served
and contributed significantly to the overwhelming defeat of the enemy
force. First Lieutenant Madden's extraordinary heroism while engaged in
close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong 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.
Home Town: Kingstown, Oklahoma
*MARKOVICH, DOUGLAS JOSEPH (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Douglas Joseph Markovich, 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.
Specialist Four Markovich distinguished himself while serving as a
Rifleman with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th
Infantry Division. On 1 March 1969, Specialist Markovich was on one of
the first helicopters to set down in a landing zone northwest of Kontum
and immediately assumed a position to provide security for the incoming
helicopters. As the fourth helicopter touched down, an unknown sized
enemy force subjected the landing zone with intense automatic weapons
small arms and mortar fire from their well-concealed fortified
positions. Continually exposing himself to devastating enemy attack,
Specialist Markovich placed accurate suppressive fire on the enemy
positions. During the ensuing firefight Specialist Markovich was
mortally wounded by enemy shrapnel. His heroic actions were instrumental
in repulsing the determined enemy attack. Specialist Four Markovich's
courageous acts, initiative 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.
Born: August 31, 1947 at Newark, New
Jersey
Home Town: Madison, New Jersey
MARQUEZ, CARLOS E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Carlos E. Marquez, Specialist Fourth 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 Fourth Class Marquez distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 December 1967, as
Crewchief 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 Fourth Class Marquez 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 Fourth Class Marquez 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 Fourth Class Marquez'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.
MARTIN, DONALD C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Donald C. Martin, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
exceptionally valorous actions on 24 March 1967 while serving as
assistant team leader of a Special Forces reconnaissance patrol on
combat operations deep in hostile territory. While deployed along a
trail to observe enemy activity in the area, Sergeant Martin detected a
hostile soldier aiming at his team leader from behind. Completely
ignoring his own safety, he dove into the middle of the path and killed
the insurgent with an accurate burst as he hit the ground. He quickly
moved forward to search the body, but was driven back by a withering
barrage from a numerically superior North Vietnamese force advancing on
his position. Realizing that any information would be lost if his lines
were overrun, he moved through a hail of bullets to search for
intelligence materials. He crawled among the enemy dead and wounded
collecting all valuable intelligence materials. An enemy casualty next
to him received three bullets which were fired at him. Despite bullets
striking all around him, he ran back to his perimeter and radioed for
rescue helicopters to make an immediate extraction. He fought furiously
against the advancing hostile force until the evacuation aircraft moved
in and carried his team to safety.
RV, General Orders No: 6082 -
(November 24, 1967)
MARTIN, DONALD C.
(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
Donald C. Martin, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for exceptionally valorous
actions on 6 October 1967 while serving as assistant team leader of a
six-man Special Forces reconnaissance team on a combat mission deep in
hostile territory. Shortly after infiltration, his team detected three
enemy soldiers moving toward them Sergeant Martin quickly deployed his
men in an attempt to capture one of the insurgents,, but two other
hostile soldiers discovered their location and moved in for an ambush.
Completely ignoring his own safety, he stood up and exchanged fire with
the advancing enemy,, killing both insurgents with accurate bursts,.
Although wounded in this action, he refused aid to direct the defense of
his team when a large North Vietnamese force suddenly attacked. After
calling for air strikes on the enemy positions, he braved a savage
bombardment to crawl toward fallen hostile soldiers in an attempt to
gather intelligence materials The insurgents concentrated their fire on
him, but he refused to take rover until he had collected as much
equipment and as many documents as possible With bullets striking all
around him, he carried the materials back to his team's position and
prepared his men for extraction. The enemy closed in as the helicopters
arrived, but he skillfully led his team in evasive tactics and attained
a successful evacuation.
RV, General Orders No: 6212 -
(December 2, 1967)
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam)
*MARTIN, JAMES LOUIS (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to James Louis Martin (US-54967472),
Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Martin distinguished himself by intrepid
actions on 16 June 1968 while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion,
26th 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: Shelby, Michigan
MARTINEZ, ALVARO M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Alvaro M. Martinez (US-54508522), Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 21 March 1968
in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Martinez distinguished himself by
intrepid actions while serving as a squad leader in Company D, 1st
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. On that date, his unit was participating in a combined
infantry- armored cavalry operation in Duy Xuyen District. As the force
neared the hamlet of Ap Bon (1), they suddenly came under intense small
arms, automatic weapons, and rocket fire from an enemy force of
undetermined size located in fortified positions around the outskirts of
the hamlet. Sergeant Martinez immediately moved to the front of his
platoon to direct the movement of his men and to locate the enemy
positions. While his men provided cover fire, Sergeant Martinez swiftly
advanced on the enemy bunkers and personally destroyed them with his
accurate fire and hand grenades. Through his courageous actions, he
personally knocked out three enemy positions and killed our enemy
soldiers before returning to the rear for more ammunition. Heavily laden
with grenades, Sergeant Martinez quickly ran through a withering hail of
enemy fire to resume his assault on the enemy positions. Displaying
tremendous determination and professional ability, he again moved
against the enemy positions. Displaying tremendous determination and
professional ability, he again moved against the enemy positions,
destroying four additional bunkers. Sergeant Martinez' unquestionable
valor while in close combat with a numerically superior enemy 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.
MARTINEZ, ERNESTO F., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Ernesto F. Martinez, Jr. (RA-18769288), Specialist
Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for exceptionally valorous actions on the
morning of 10 February 1968, while serving as a Tactical Operations
Specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Brigade, 9th
Infantry Division, during a mortar and rocket attack on the brigade's
base camp at Tan An, Vietnam. When many serious casualties were taken
during the initial barrage, Specialist Martinez volunteered to leave the
safety of his duty station in the Tactical Operations Center and gave
medical aid to the wounded. With complete disregard for his own personal
safety, Specialist Martinez braved intense mortar, rocket and small arms
fire to run 200 meters to the base camp's aid station, secure a medical
kit and run to the scene of the heaviest fighting. There he moved from
bunker to bunker, treating the most serious wounds of his injured
comrades. Although blown off his feet and wounded by the blast of an
exploding enemy rocket, Specialist Martinez continued to administer aid
to the casualties until ordered to seek attention for his own wounds an
hour and a half later. Specialist Five Martinez's extraordinary heroism
in close combat against a 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. 2854 (April 30, 1968)
Home Town: Houston, Texas
MATHIS, JAMES RHONDA
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James Rhonda Mathis, Hospital Corpsman Second
Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
while serving as Senior Corpsman of Company I, Third Battalion,
Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with
operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning
of 9 April 1968, while occupying a defensive position on Hill 881 South
near Khe Sanh, Company I suddenly came under an intense North Vietnamese
mortar attack and immediately sustained a casualty. Reacting instantly,
Petty Officer Mathis unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire-swept
terrain to the side of the injured man and assisted him to a position of
relative safety. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he
skillfully administered first aid to his wounded comrade and supervised
his evacuation. When numerous additional Marines were wounded, he
fearlessly moved from one position to another, shielding each man with
his own body while providing medical assistance. While moving to assist
a casualty, Petty Officer Mathis suddenly came under a heavy volume of
hostile small arms fire which knocked him violently to the ground.
Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he resolutely continued to
advance through the intense fire while assisting his injured comrades.
After the intensity of the enemy attack decreased, he was supervising
the evacuation of the wounded when the Marines again came under a heavy
volume of hostile mortar fire. Disregarding his own safety, he
fearlessly maneuvered across the hazardous area on two additional
occasions and rendered vital medical treatment. His heroic actions and
sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades in the face of extreme
personal danger inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in
saving the lives of numerous Marines. By his courage, bold initiative
and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Mathis upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
MAXWELL, ROBERT V., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Robert V. Maxwell, Jr. (0-5428206), Second
Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against
a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Maxwell
distinguished himself on 15 May 1968 while serving as a Forward Observer
with Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry
Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, while at the base of Hill 352,
his company came under an intense hostile mortar barrage and machine gun
and other automatic weapons fire. Lieutenant Maxwell immediately left
his covered position, and with complete disregard for the enemy fire,
moved to higher ground with a radio to call in artillery. Almost
immediately he received a fragment wound in the left knee, but he
refused medical aid and remained exposed to adjust the artillery fire.
With complete disregard for his painful wound, he moved about the
perimeter adjusting artillery and air strikes. While moving to another
observation point, he was wounded again, receiving a shrapnel wound in
the left arm. Although his condition was considerably worse, he still
refused medical aid or evacuation, and he kept moving around the
perimeter through the heavy fire, adjusting the artillery and air
strikes. Second Lieutenant Maxwell's heroic actions 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. 5397 (August 9, 1968)
MCCLEERY, FINNIS DAWSON
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Finnis Dawson McCleery (RA-18145176), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on
8 February 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant McCleery
distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a Platoon
Sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, the company was
assigned the mission of performing a sweep through the village of Lo
Giang (1) to clear it of a reinforced Viet Cong Battalion. As the unit
crossed an open rice paddy near the village they came under intense
mortar and small arms fire. When the enemy charged out of a tree line at
the friendly force, Sergeant McCleery accurately fired his M-72 light
automatic weapon and killed six insurgents. The company was then ordered
to withdraw and regroup. Since the 1st Platoon Leader had taken command
of the company, Sergeant McCleery assumed leadership of the 1st Platoon
and deployed his men in defensive positions around an abandoned
graveyard. From this position, he directed a withering hail of fire to
protect the withdrawal of the company. As the company moved back on to
the battlefield, Sergeant McCleery carried a machinegun with him to
cover the withdrawal of all the wounded personnel. He repeatedly exposed
himself to intense enemy fire as he enabled the wounded to reach safety.
Turning the machinegun over to a member of his platoon, Sergeant
McCleery rushed into the open rice paddy amidst a torrid hail of hostile
fire to assist the seriously wounded. Staff Sergeant McCleery's
unquestionable valor in close combat with a numerically superior hostile
force is 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. 3029 (June 4, 1968)
Born: December 25, 1927 at Stephenville, Texas
Home Town: San Angelo, Texas
Personal Awards: Medal of Honor (Vietnam)
*MCGREGOR, DONALD VERNON (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Donald Vernon McGregor (0-74381), Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while engaged in military operations against an armed enemy on 13
August 1963. Captain McGregor demonstrated sound judgment, fortitude,
and professional competence as an infantry unit advisor to the 51st
Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of
Vietnam. When a lead company of Vietnamese forces received hostile gun
fire from ambush during a routine battalion operation, Captain McGregor
disregarded his own personal safety, proceeded to the forward area, and
advised the leading company commander in the most effective tactics and
maneuvers to achieve military objectives. His courageous action,
personal example, and dedicated devotion to duty inspired the Vietnamese
officers and men to greater efforts and assured the success of the
mission. Throughout the entire day of combat operations, he rendered
invaluable assistance, advice and encouragement to his Vietnamese
comrades until he was mortally wounded. Captain McGregor'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)
Home Town: Rupert, Idaho
MCLAUGHLIN, PATRICK M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Patrick M. McLaughlin, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 29 October 1967,
during Operation Shenandoah II. Sergeant McLaughlin, Company C, 1st
Battalion, 18th Infantry was serving as a squad leader on a search and
destroy mission in a dense rubber plantation near Loc Ninh. A friendly
patrol had made contact with a large Viet Cong force approximately 1
kilometer from the battalion's night defensive perimeter and was in need
of reinforcements and supplies. Sergeant McLaughlin immediately
volunteered to lead a squad of the relief force. Upon reaching the
battle site, they were subjected to intensive rocket, machine gun, and
automatic weapons fire. Sergeant McLaughlin unhesitatingly moved through
a hail of incoming fire to the front of his squad. With complete
disregard for his personal safety, he remained in the open and deployed
his men into advantageous firing positions. Ignoring relentless enemy
fire, he moved about the area shouting words of encouragement to his men
and directing devastating fire onto the insurgents. On one occasion the
Viet Cong attempted to breach the hastily formed perimeter. Although the
enemy closed to within meters of his position, Sergeant McLaughlin
refused to withdraw and engaged them in extremely close combat. After a
fierce battle, the hostile force retreated in complete disorder.
Sergeant McLaughlin's dynamic leadership and exemplary courage
significantly contributed to the overwhelming defeat of the enemy. Staff
Sergeant McLaughlin'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.
Home Town: Ohio
MCMAKEN, RAYMOND E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Raymond E. McMaken (0-5326282), Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 2
February 1968 while serving with Advisory Team 4, United States Military
Assistance Command, Vietnam. On that date a determined, reinforced North
Vietnamese Army regiment attacked Cam Lo District Headquarters with a
heavy barrage of enemy mortar, recoilless rifle, rocket, and automatic
weapons fire. When one third of the defenders including the Senior
District Advisor became casualties, Captain McMaken dashed to the
alternate command bunker to establish communications with higher
headquarters and requested a flare ship. He then returned to the command
bunker and, finding the Senior District Advisor mortally wounded, took
command of the compound and led the defense against a sustained,
five-hour enemy attack. Realizing that close artillery support was the
key to the compound's defense, he left his position to adjust artillery
fire to within 20 meters of the inner perimeter. Although suffering from
multiple wounds, Captain McMaken moved throughout the compound to direct
defenses. He personally manned a grenade launcher and machine gun to
stop the enemy from penetrating the defensive perimeter. By his
aggressive leadership and courageous actions, Captain McMaken
successfully directed the defense of the headquarters and eliminated a
potential disaster while inflicting heavy casualties on a numerically
superior enemy force. Captain McMaken'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 forces.
Headquarters, U.S. Military
Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2340 (July 30, 1968)
*MIHILAKIS, ELLA L. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ella L. Mihilakis, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Mihilakis distinguished himself by
intrepid actions on 9 July 1968 while serving with Company E, 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. 5139 (August 4, 1968)
MIRUS, JOHN E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John E. Mirus (OF-100956), Captain (Infantry), U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with
military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.
Captain Mirus distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 11 November
1967 while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 3d Battalion, 8th
Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 11 November 1967, Company C
was conducting a search and destroy operation south of Dak To in the
Central Highlands. As the unit moved up onto Hill 724 to establish a
defensive perimeter and construct a helicopter landing zone with
Companies B and D, all three units came under a heavy rocket and mortar
attack, followed by a strong ground assault by an enemy force estimated
at battalion strength. Despite the intense enemy small arms and
automatic weapons fire, Captain Mirus effectively directed the defense
of his unit. Upon learning that Company B's Commander had been mortally
wounded, he crossed seventy-five meters of open terrain to take command
of Company B while still controlling his own unit. He continually
exposed himself to hostile fire as he crawled to the unit's left flank
to rally the men and readjust defensive positions. After re-establishing
badly-needed communications, he pulled several wounded men to safety and
directed artillery fire on suspected enemy mortar positions. Throughout
the night, he moved about the battle area, encouraging his men and
directing the completion of a helicopter landing zone to facilitate
medical evacuation and emergency supply. Captain Mirus' 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, 4th Infantry Division,
General Orders No 1187 (March 29, 1968)
MONEY, JAMES D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James D. Money (US-56686451), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company E,
3d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Private
First Class Money distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 30 April 1967, while serving as a member of a night ambush
patrol operating in the vicinity of Dong Tam, Vietnam. Private Money and
his platoon leader left the remainder of the patrol in order to set out
an anti-intrusion device approximately 50 meters in front, in dense
jungle. While his platoon leader was setting up the device and Private
Money was holding both rifles approximately 15 meters distant, a
sizeable Viet Cong force entered the area. In total disregard for his
own safety, Private Money shouted a warning to his platoon leader, who
managed to conceal himself just as the Viet Cong approached. The platoon
leader then rolled three hand grenades down the jungle path, and Private
Money exposed himself to the numerically superior enemy in order to
deliver a withering barrage of fire upon them. These brave actions threw
the Viet Cong into panic, killing four of them and allowing the two
friendly soldiers to return to their comrades. Private Money quickly
related the action to his fellow soldiers, who then decimated the area
with automatic weapons and rifle grenade fire. Private First Class
Money's extraordinary heroism in close combat with a 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, 9th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 7086 (December 1, 1967)
*MOON, WALTER H. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Walter H. Moon (0-63424), Major (Infantry),
[then Captain], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in
military operations during the period April 1961 to July 1961. Major
Moon was serving in an advisory capacity in Laos when he was captured by
hostile forces. From the initial time of his capture, he was kept in
solitary confinement and subjected to extreme mistreatment, abuse and
vile physical environment. Despite the never-ending brutalities, he
constantly demonstrated boldness, tenacity, and courage by his
continuous overt actions against his captors. Although faced with
insurmountable odds, he repeatedly attempted to escape and was seriously
wounded during his first break for freedom. From the time of his first
attempt to escape until his death, he refused to collaborate with, and
resisted the cruel efforts of his captors and prevented their making
propaganda capital at the expense of the United States. Wounded, and
weakened physically, Major Moon fought with the guards inflicting as
much bodily harm on them as possible, until he was completely
overpowered and mortally wounded. Major Moon's intrepid conduct,
aggressive actions and self-sacrifice are in keeping with 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. 52 (December 18, 1963)
Home Town: Rudy, Arkansas
*MRAZIK, JAMES PATRICK (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to James Patrick Mrazik (US-54977554), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Private
First Class Mrazik distinguished himself by heroic actions on 24 October
1968, while serving as an RTO with Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th
Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. While on a combat operation
Company C came under an intense hostile attack, inflicting several
casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private Mrazik
exposed himself to a heavy volume of hostile fire as he moved through
the bullet swept area to evacuate his wounded comrades to safety.
Returning to the area of contact, Private Mrazik secured desperately
needed ammunition. As he was bringing the ammunition to a machine gun
position he was fatally wounded. His valorous actions contributed
immeasurably to the success of the mission and defeat of the hostile
force. Private Mrazik'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. 8341 (November 24, 1968)
Home Town: Mio, Michigan
MYERS, DONALD L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Donald L. Myers, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for exceptionally valorous actions on 27 October 1966 while serving as
Special Forces team leader of a reconnaissance team on a combat mission
deep in hostile territory. While moving through thick jungle late in the
afternoon, his patrol was suddenly at-tacked by a numerically superior
Viet Cong force. Sergeant Myers exposed himself to the intense fire to
direct his men in repulsing the attack. Quickly moving into a defensive
perimeter, he tried to radio friendly forces for support. Unable to make
contact, he called in air strikes within thirty meters of his position
and exposed himself to direct gunships on the enemy positions. When the
enemy started to pull back, he called for exfiltration helicopters to
evacuate the team. Seeing that the helicopters could extract only one
man at a time, he stayed on the ground to cover the operations. The
insurgents launched a furious assault on his position in an attempt to
shoot down the hovering aircraft, but he remained in the open and drove
off the attack at point blank range. Only when he was sure that his men
were safe did he allow himself to be hoisted to safety.
RV, General Orders No: 5002 -
(October 2, 1967)
*NEEL, FRANKLIN WYLIE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Franklin Wylie Neel (RA-234562491),
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 Neel distinguished himself
by exceptionally valorous action on 23 December 1969, while serving as
squad leader for the ready reaction force with Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade (Airmobile), 1st Cavalry Division in
the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Neel deployed his squad to
their assigned positions in order to counter an anticipated sapper
attack. Within five minutes, a second barrage of rockets and mortars
fell on the ready reaction force positions. Sergeant First Class Neel
left the relative security of his covered position to ensure that his
squad was properly deployed and taking advantage of all existing cover.
While engaged in these duties, a mortar round landed directly in front
of him, killing him instantly. 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, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 1241 (January 21, 1970)
Home Town: Gap Mills, West Virginia
*NELSON, PAUL VINCENT (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Paul Vincent Nelson, Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Nelson distinguished
himself by intrepid actions on 31 May 1969, while serving as a radio
telephone operator with Company B, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry
Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade (Light). On that date, the company was
on a search and clear mission near Landing Zone Stinson when the point
element came under intense enemy fire. Observing one of his comrades
fall seriously wounded, Private Nelson, disregarding the danger
involved, braved the enemy fire to assist in evacuating the wounded
soldier. Returning to the area of contact, Private Nelson remained
exposed to locate the enemy position. Despite the hostile barrage
impacting all around him, Private Nelson located the insurgents'
position and then directed gunship fire on the enemy targets. At this
point, Private Nelson was mortally wounded from the hostile fire. His
timely and courageous actions were responsible for saving the life of
his comrade and the defeat of the enemy force. Private First Class
Nelson's personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty
were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, and
reflected great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the
United States Army.
Born: September 5, 1948 at Newark, New
Jersey
Home Town: Belleville, New Jersey
*NICHOLS, THOMAS EDWARD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Thomas Edward Nichols (0-2303639), Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while assigned to Advisory Team 95, U.S. Military Assistance
Command, Vietnam, on 12 October 1967 while serving as an 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, Captain Nichols and members
of his team were manning the advisory bunker. The bunker was the target
of two accurately thrown hand grenades which exploded within the bunker
causing serious wounds to Captain Nichols. The force of the grenade blew
him out of the bunker and he landed in a pool of water. Upon recovery,
and despite his wounds, the loss of his glasses and his weapon, Captain
Nichols noticed that two Vietcong soldiers were approaching the bunker
and without regard for his safety he stood up and detracted the enemy.
Captain Nichol's action allowed the two remaining inhabitants of the
bunker to escape. Captain Nichols, then ignoring the extreme danger,
assisted a seriously wounded fellow advisor to safety and then assumed a
position in a small perimeter and then fought off the enemy. As a result
of his extraordinary valor and absolute dedication to duty, this action
allowed other team members to remove the wounded to a secure area and
return to help fight off the enemy until a reactionary force arrived.
Captain Nichols' 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. 231 (January 28, 1968)
Home Town: Amarillo, Texas
NOEL, THOMAS E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Thomas E. Noel (US-56438202), Private First Class,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 21 March
1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Noel distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Medical
Aidman with the Reconnaissance Platoon of Company E, 1st Battalion, 6th
Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that
date, his platoon was participating in a combined infantry-armor sweep
into the hamlet of Ap Bon (1) when they came under intense automatic
weapons and rocket fire from a North Vietnamese Army force of Company
size. Without regard for his own safety, Private Noel repeatedly exposed
himself to the hostile fire as he moved throughout the area
administering aid to his wounded comrades and pointing out enemy
positions. He aided four men before the unit was directed to withdraw
and allow supporting artillery fire to be brought in upon the enemy
locations. As they withdrew, Private Noel noticed a wounded soldier
about 100 meters back. He unhesitatingly dashed across an open rice
paddy amidst a withering hail of hostile fire to reach the man and carry
him to safety. He then aided several more men in the same manner.
Private First Class Noel's conspicuous gallantry and tenacious 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. 2753 (May 25, 1968)
*O'CALLAGHAN, BRIAN JOSEPH (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Brian Joseph O'Callaghan,
First Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action while engaged in military operations against
an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant
O'Callaghan distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with
Company C, 1st Battalion, 69th Armor, 4th Infantry Division. On 8
January 1970, Company C was conducting an assault of Hill 564 northwest
of Landing Zone Scheuller when Lieutenant O'Callaghan's platoon came
under heavy fire from anti-tank rockets, mortars, and small arms. When
one of his tanks was immobilized and the safety of its crew jeopardized,
Lieutenant O'Callaghan maneuvered his vehicle into a fighting support
position to shield and protect the disabled vehicle. As Lieutenant
O'Callaghan was effecting emergency recovery procedures, his vehicle
received a direct hit, seriously wounding him. Refusing medical
attention, Lieutenant O'Callaghan remained with the disabled vehicle
until it was moved to safety, and continued to direct operations and
engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded. First Lieutenant
O'Callaghan's extraordinary courage, 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.
Home Town: Alexandria, Virginia
*ODOM, JOHN THOMAS (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to John Thomas Odom (RA-24602563), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st
Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on 18
February 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Private First
Class Odom was accompanying a team from the reconnaissance platoon on a
patrol in the vicinity of Phan Thiet,. While his unit was moving down
the trail, a mine was command detonated. Private First Class Odom, the
radio telephone operator, was mortally wounded along with two men who
were seriously wounded. Immediately after the detonation of the mine,
Viet Cong snipers began firing intensely on the two remaining members of
the squad. Private First Class Odom realized that if the snipers
continued to keep the two men pinned down the entire squad would be
annihilated. Even though mortally wounded and in extreme pain he began
placing effective suppressive fire on the enemy, giving the two pinned
down men the cover fire they needed to maneuver on the insurgents.
Sustaining his fire, he radioed to another element for assistance.
Private First Class Odom was solely responsible for saving the patrol
from annihilation. His unimpeachable valor in close combat is in keeping
with the highest traditions of military service and cast great credit on
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Alexander City, Alabama
OLLER, STEVEN W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Steven W. Oller (RA-18906188), Specialist Fifth
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.
Specialist Fifth Class Oller distinguished himself while serving as a
Senior Medical Specialist with Company D, 4th Medical Battalion, 4th
Infantry Division. On 11 May 1969, Landing Zone Oasis came under heavy
rocket, mortar, and ground attack by a large North Vietnamese sapper
unit. Specialist Oller, with complete disregard for his personal safety,
exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to treat the wounded. Moving
from bunker to bunker he treated the casualties and carried several of
them across a large open area to safety. His actions were directly
responsible for the saving of many lives. Specialist Fifth Class Oller'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. 3104 (June 16, 1969)
Born: January 22, 1948 at Vallejo, California
Home Town: Crescent City, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Army Commendation Medal w/V,
Combat Medic Badge
*ORETO, JOSEPH ANTHONY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Joseph Anthony Oreto (US-51670676),
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 13 April
1969 while serving as Squad Leader with the Aero Rifle Platoon, Air
Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of
Vietnam. On this date while conducting a bomb damage assessment in a
heavily- fortified enemy base camp, the platoon suddenly came under
intense machine gun and antitank rocket fire from a well-concealed and
well-entrenched hostile force. Sergeant Oreto and his lead squad were
immediately pinned down in an open area directly in front of the enemy
positions. Realizing the desperate situation he and his men were in,
Sergeant Oreto single-handedly assaulted the nearest enemy bunker. While
the hostile fire was concentrated on him, his men were able to maneuver
into more secure positions. As he prepared to throw a hand grenade into
the enemy bunker, he was fatally wounded by hostile fire. Sergeant
Oreto's outstanding courage, unwavering devotion to duty and deep
concern for the welfare of his men 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. 1104 (May 2, 1969)
Home Town: Westminster, Maryland
ORTH, GREGG G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Gregg G. Orth (0-5531748), Captain (Infantry), U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action involving conflict with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Orth distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 15 September 1967, while serving as
Commanding Officer, Company A, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th
Infantry Division, during a search and destroy mission near Khiem Ich,
Vietnam. As the friendly force was negotiating difficult terrain, they
were suddenly ambushed by a numerically superior Viet Cong force. In
complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Orth rallied his men and
countered the ambush, succeeding against overwhelming odds, amidst a
withering barrage of automatic weapons and small arms fire. After
regrouping his men, Captain Orth alertly observed that part of one of
his platoons was completely pinned down. Although wounded himself in the
ensuing action, he led the beleaguered soldiers out of their trap,
personally carrying an injured comrade over 400 meters through intense
fire to safety. Captain Orth's heroic actions in close combat with an
armed hostile force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry
Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 7196 (December 9, 1967)
ORTIZ, ANGEL J.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Angel J. Ortiz, 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 Ortiz
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. 7753 (October 3, 1968)
*ORTIZ, JOHN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to John Ortiz (RA-16460144), Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action involving
close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.
Staff Sergeant Ortiz distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 17 January 1968, while serving as a Tank Commander with
Company H, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on a
reconnaissance in force mission during Operation Fargo in Loc Ninh
Province. Sergeant Ortiz's tank, in the lead position, came under heavy
recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior
Viet Cong force. An anti-tank round struck his vehicle, causing it to
burst into flames. Directing his men to abandon the flaming tank,
Sergeant Ortiz covered their exit with highly accurate suppressive fire
from his .50 caliber machine gun. When his men were safely evacuated,
Sergeant Ortiz turned his main gun on the enemy fortification,
destroying at least one of the recoilless rifle teams. While still
firing devastating rounds into the insurgent positions, Sergeant Ortiz
was mortally wounded by an exploding antitank round. Sergeant Ortiz's
extraordinary heroism in close combat against 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.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division,
General Orders No. 2280 (April 9, 1968)
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
OVIEDO, CARL M.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Carl M. Oviedo, 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 Oviedo distinguished
himself by intrepid actions on 23 December 1967 while serving with
Company E, 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. 0492 (February 3, 1968)
OWEN, EVAN L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Evan L. Owen, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force, while serving with the 235th
Aviation Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, on 23 March 1972, in the
Republic of Vietnam. Captain Owen distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions while performing his duties as Operations Officer with
a forward element of an Allied weapons company. When Khe Sanh became the
target of an enemy artillery and mortar barrage, he immediately saw to
the safety of his men, moving the men into the bunkers throughout the
area. With the incoming artillery and mortar rounds falling in the
immediate vicinity, he returned to the sleeping area to gather up
radios, weapons and ammunition. With full knowledge of the dangers at
hand, he returned several times to recover valuable equipment. Captain
Owen set about to establish a perimeter of defense using the personnel
he had available. During the following hours he made numerous trips
between the defensive positions insuring that they were both properly
manned and tactically sound. On each of the trips, he again exposed
himself to the enemy fire. His 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.
Department of the Army, Headquarters,
1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 4073 (May 17, 1971)
*PACHECO, JAIME (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Jaime Pacheco, 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 Four Pacheco distinguished himself on 25 May 1972
while serving as medic on a Ranger Team which was on a reconnaissance
mission in Tan Uyen Province, Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Pacheco
walked as rear scout for a four man point reconnaissance element when
the element discovered an enemy bunker complex. As the first three men
of the element exhausted their first magazines, Specialist Pacheco
immediately recognized the danger caused by the lull in firing and
rushed the bunkers firing his own weapon and throwing fragmentation
grenades. As the team withdrew from the bunker complex, he remained in
his position and continued to throw a total of twelve fragmentation
grenades, covering the team's withdrawal. By holding the enemy at bay
his fellow soldiers were able to escape without injury. When he
attempted to rejoin his team, he was hit by enemy fire which wounded him
fatally. His actions gave the team the precious time they needed to
reach safety. Specialist Pacheco's gallantry in action and devotion to
duty, at the cost of his life, 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, U.S. Army Vietnam,
General Orders No. 1923 (August 19, 1972)
Home Town: Hobbs, New Mexico
PARKER, OTIS (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Otis Parker (RA-14668481), Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 4 May 1965,
while serving as advisor to a friendly force in the Republic of Vietnam.
Staff Sergeant Parker was with the lead elements of a friendly battalion
on a search and clear operation when they were attacked by a Viet Cong
battalion. With the friendly position subjected to heavy insurgent
automatic, small arms and mortar fire, Staff Sergeant Parker repeatedly
exposed himself to assist in directing effective friendly fire against
the communists. After approximately forty-five minutes of intense
fighting, the friendly company commander was wounded and his troops
started a hasty withdrawal inadvertently leaving some of the injured
behind. Observing this action, Sergeant Parker disregarding his personal
safety, moved forward in full view of the enemy to carry the wounded
company commander to a safe location. The friendly troops, seeing Staff
Sergeant Parker's outstanding example of personal heroism, rallied and
resumed the engagement resulting in the defeat of the Viet Cong. Staff
Sergeant Parker'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.
Headquarters, MACV, General Orders
No. 2365 (November 12, 1965)
Home Town: Green Cove Springs, Florida
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (Vietnam)
*PAYNE, LLOYD ADRIAN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Lloyd Adrian Payne, Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations
in Vietnam on the 14th and 15th of December 1963. As Senior Advisor to a
Vietnamese Battalion, Captain Payne rendered invaluable assistance,
advice, and encouragement to the Battalion during a military operation.
When the Battalion had been subjected to sporadic sniper fire throughout
the day, he advised the Battalion Commander to send out several patrols
to locate the sniper; and although these efforts diminished the
frequency of fire, it started again after the Battalion had closed in
for the evening and continued throughout the night. During the entire
operation, Captain Payne was at the side of his counterpart advising him
in weapons placement, necessary patrol action, and personally checking
perimeter security. As the Battalion elements were preparing to move out
of their position on the following morning, they sustained heavy sniper
fire from the north side of a ridge and, before they could take cover,
heavy automatic weapons fire was received from both the north and south
ridges. Despite the precarious position, Captain Payne continued to
leave his protective cover and bravely moved from position to position
offering assurance and advice to the Battalion Commander in coping with
the situation. Although he was exposed to this automatic weapons fire,
he completely disregarded his own personal safety and continued his
advisory efforts until mortally wounded. Captain Payne'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)
Home Town: Sandersville, Georgia
PEARSALL, DAVID A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to David A. Pearsall, Warrant Officer, 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. Warrant Officer Pearsall distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 7 December 1967, as Co-Pilot of an Ambulance
Helicopter of the 45th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group, 44th Medical
Brigade, on a rescue mission near Cu Chi. Mister Pearsall's helicopter
received an urgent request to evacuate twelve seriously wounded men and
immediately flew to the battle area. The mission was undertaken despite
the knowledge that several rescue ships had previously been shot down in
the area. After an unhampered landing the crew 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 the medic and crew chief to climb
aboard and took off to prevent further damage to the ship. The hostile
barrage in the landing zone ceased, and they returned to rescue the
remainder of the casualties. The enemy force launched a second fusillade
on his ship, and both he and the pilot were wounded as rounds tore into
the craft. Despite mounting damage to the helicopter, the helicopter
remained on the ground until all of the injured were loaded. They then
took off and together with the wounded pilot, Mr. Pearsall ignored his
own wounds to aid in skillfully nursing the badly crippled ship to an
airfield. Warrant Officer Pearsall'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.
PENROD, DONALD R.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Donald R. Penrod, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Penrod
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 18 November 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. 0092 (January 4, 1969)
*PERPETUA, ROQUE, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Roque Perpetua, Jr. (RA-10106904), Platoon
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action. Platoon Sergeant Perpetua distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous action on 17 December 1966, while serving as a platoon sergeant
with Company D, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st
Cavalry Division, during an air assault operation in the Republic of
Vietnam. Moments after landing in an area of enemy operations, Sergeant
Perpetua's company began receiving sporadic hostile fire. Deploying his
men on line, Sergeant Perpetua led the right flank of one platoon
forward through a series of hedgerows toward the enemy positions. With
bullets striking all around him, he moved up and down the lines
encouraging his men and leading them through the intensifying hostile
fire. As other elements became pinned down, Sergeant Perpetua continued
leading his men forward until they were engaging the numerically
superior force at a distance of less than thirty meters. Realizing at
this point that the North Vietnamese force was much larger than
originally suspected, Sergeant Perpetua endeavored to free his men from
their tenuous position. Crawling up and down his lines through the
intense enemy fire, Sergeant Perpetua located the key bunker to the
enemy's defensive network. Then, with complete disregard for his own
safety, he stood up in the fire-swept field and advanced on the bunker,
firing his rifle. Although startled by his aggressive action, the well
entrenched enemy quickly recovered and began engaging the valiant
sergeant with numerous automatic weapons. Even after he had been
wounded, Sergeant Perpetua continued his one-man assault on the enemy
position. He drove to within five meters of the bunker before falling
mortally wounded. Sergeant Perpetua'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. 381 (January 28, 1967)
Home Town: Kauai, Hawaii
PERRY, JAMES E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James E. Perry, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with
military operations against a hostile force. Sergeant First Class Perry
distinguished himself by heroic action from 21 January 1968 and 22
January 1968, while serving with Advisory Team FOUR, United States
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. On 21 January 1968, a Regiment of
North Vietnamese Army force attacked the District Headquarters at Huong
Hoa (Khe Sanh). At the beginning of the attack, Sergeant Perry
immediately converted the advisory team quarters into a makeshift
dispensary. Throughout the battle, he moved about the compound carrying
the wounded and dying on his back to the dispensary. At one point, when
the Regional Force Company was being hit the hardest, Sergeant Perry
moved from position to position to treat the wounded. When one of the
bunkers took a direct hit, Sergeant Perry left the protection of the
advisory bunker to pull the wounded from the rubble. Sergeant Perry's
conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty were responsible
for the saving of lives and were an inspiration to all, especially his
Vietnamese comrades. Sergeant First Class Perry's heroic actions are in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect
great credit upon himself, the Advisory Team 4, and the United States
Army.
PEYTON, JOEL C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Joel C. Peyton (US-51947865), Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action.
Specialist Fourth Class Peyton distinguished himself by heroic actions
on 11 June 1969, while serving as a Medical Aidman with Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th
Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While established in a
night defensive position, elements of the 27th Infantry came under an
intense enemy mortar attack, which was followed by a massive ground
assault. As the battle ensued, several casualties were sustained. With
complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Peyton moved through
the bullet swept area to one of the wounded men's positions. Upon
reaching the injured man, Specialist Peyton treated the man and
evacuated the man to a safe location. When other mortars impacted within
the perimeter, Specialist Peyton again exposed himself to the holocaust
of exploding projectiles as he maneuvered to the injured men's positions
and administered first aid to his fallen comrades. Throughout the
battle, Specialist Peyton constantly exposed himself to the hostile fire
in order to treat the wounded men. His valorous actions were responsible
for saving several lives. Specialist Peyton's bravery 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. 10698 (August 22, 1969)
Born: May 24, 1942 at Ellisburg, Kentucky
Home Town: Hustonville, Kentucky
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army
Commendation Medal, Combat Medic Badge
PHILLIPS, GREGORY P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Gregory P. Phillips, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 7 May 1970.
Specialist Phillips distinguished himself while serving as a grenadier
in Company D, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st
Airborne Division, defending Fire Support Base Maureen, Republic of
Vietnam. While situated in night defensive positions, the company came
under intense fire from a large heavily-armed enemy force, and there
were numerous friendly casualties. Specialist Phillips, maneuvering to
the hardest hit sector of the perimeter, effectively engaged the
hostiles with grenade fire. Depleting his ordnance, he obtained a rifle
and, despite hostile fire, assaulted enemy positions outside the
perimeter. When wounded, he maintained his heavy volume of suppressive
fire. Finding a wounded comrade, he carried the man to safety.
Specialist Phillips' 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
(Airmobile), General Orders No. 11664 (September 22, 1970)
Home Town: Birmingham, Alabama
PICARELLI, JOSEPH HENRY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Joseph Henry Picarelli (US-52687949), Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force
on 28 April 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class
Picarelli distinguished himself while serving as a radio-telephone
operator for the company commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th
Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that
date, his company had set up a night position when they suddenly came
under intense small arms fire from an enemy force of undetermined size.
While his company commander was busy on the company frequency,
Specialist Picarelli established communications with battalion
headquarters and quickly requested gunships for defense of the company
perimeter. As the gunships arrived on station, they were unable to
determine the company's perimeter due to the total darkness and density
of the vegetation. Upon hearing the problem from the gunships,
Specialist Picarelli, with disregard for his own safety, took a strobe
light and moved about the company's perimeter, marking the friendly
positions. Although he was wounded by shrapnel from an enemy hand
grenade, he courageously continued to exposed himself to the hostile
fire as he marked his perimeter until the enemy force was repelled and
forced to retreat. Specialist Fourth Class Picarelli's unquestionable
valor while in close combat with a numerically superior enemy force and
his avid 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. 3254 (June 17, 1968)
PICKETT, HENRY W.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Henry W. Pickett, 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
Pickett distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 31 January 1968
while serving with Company E, 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. 1384 (March 18, 1968)
PIERCY, NORMAN R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Norman R. Piercy, Master Sergeant [then Sergeant
First Class], U.S. Army, for exceptionally valorous actions on 20
October 1966 while serving as team leader of a six man Special Forces
reconnaissance team on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. While
attempting to land, the infiltration aircraft was brought under intense
hostile ground fire. Master Sergeant Piercy directed hart men to fire on
the enemy positions while the pilot maneuvered over the area, since the
savage barrage prevented landing. He immediately called for gunships to
cover the operation and again attempted to land. The ship received
another tremendous barrage of fire, but landed under cover of friendly
air strikes. The landing zone was swept by withering fire, but he led
his non through the enemy lines surrounding the area. By skillful
maneuvering, he was able to break contact with the pursuing insurgents
and locate the hostile battalion base camp suspected in the area. He
immediately directed air strikes on the camp and remained in the area
until the position was completely destroyed. Returning to the landing
zone, he once again passed through enemy lines s surrounding the area.
As the helicopter came in, three insurgents appeared in the opening to
shoot down the craft. Sergeant Piercy directed a heavy volume of fire on
the enemy and succeeded in silencing them. He led his men across the
bullet riddled opening to the waiting aircraft and waited on the ground
until all his men were aboard. After taking off, he directed gunships on
the hostile positions until they were destroyed.
RV, General Orders No: 5245 -
(October 13, 1967)
PILLER, WILLIAM A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William A. Piller, 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 Piller
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. 1774 (April 5, 1968)
POLAND, JOHN M.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to John M. Poland, 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 Poland
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 8 February 1968 while
serving as a Medical Aidman 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. 2835 (May 28, 1968)
*POOLAW, PASCAL CLEATUS, SR. (KIA)
(Fourth Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Third
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star
Medal (Posthumously) to Pascal Cleatus Poolaw, Sr. (18131087), First
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam on 7 November 1967, while serving with Company
C, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. On this date, during
Operation SHENANDOAH II, First Sergeant Poolaw was accompanying his unit
on a two-company search and destroy mission near Loc Ninh. As the patrol
was moving through a rubber plantation, they were subjected to sniper
fire. Within minutes, the area was raked with intensive claymore mine,
rocket, small arms, and automatic weapons fire from a numerically
superior Viet Cong force. First Sergeant Poolaw unhesitatingly ran to
the lead squad which was receiving the brunt of the enemy fire. With
complete disregard for his personal safety, he exposed himself to assist
in deploying the men and establishing an effective base of fire.
Although wounded, he continued to move about the area encouraging his
men and pulling casualties to cover. He was assisting a wounded man to
safety when he was mortally wounded by Viet Cong fire. His dynamic
leadership and exemplary courage contributed significantly to the
successful deployment of the lead squad and undoubtedly saved the lives
of many of his fellow soldiers. First Sergeant Poolaw'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. 8380 (November 20, 1967)
Born: January 29, 1922 at Apache, Oklahoma
Home Town: Apache, Oklahoma
Personal Awards: Silver Star (WWII), 2@ Silver Stars (Korea), Silver
Star (Vietnam)
*POSO, JOHN R. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to John R. Poso (RA-19478538), Platoon
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on
8 February 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Platoon Sergeant Poso
distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a Platoon
Sergeant for the 2d Platoon, 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 just south of DaNang when
they became pinned down by a devastating barrage of rocket, mortar, and
automatic weapons fire from an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese
Regulars. Sergeant Poso immediately began moving from position to
position to account for all the members of his platoon and to give them
encouragement. When his platoon leader gave the command to withdraw to a
more secure area, Sergeant Poso again exposed himself to the hostile
fire to effectively direct he wounded men of his platoon to the
designated area. He then, along with 12 other men of the platoon, formed
an unyielding defensive line to hold off the enemy and allow for the
withdrawal of the wounded soldiers. Sergeant Poso and his comrades
brought effective suppressive fire upon the enemy, killing more than 60
North Vietnamese soldiers who were using human wave tactics in their
attempt to overrun the friendly positions. Sergeant Poso displayed
extraordinary valor during extremely close-quarter fighting before he
was mortally wounded. Platoon Sergeant Poso's unquestionable heroism 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. 1864 (April 10, 1968)
POWELL, ERVIN E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Ervin E. Powell, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry
in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.
Sergeant Powell distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 9 January
1971 while serving as a Radio Telephone Operator with Company E, 1st
Battalion, 46th Infantry. On that date, the company was conducting a
reconnaissance patrol in Tien Phuoc District when it was assaulted by an
unknown size North Vietnamese Army force. Ignoring his painful wounds
suffered in the initial exchange of fire, Sergeant Powell placed highly
effective suppressive rounds on the hostile emplacements and began
maneuvering to close with the insurgents. Denying himself medical
attention, he repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy barrage in order
to reach a wounded comrade and administer emergency first aid to the
friendly casualty. Ignoring the danger involved, Sergeant Powell
unhesitatingly braved the hostile fusillade in order to move his fellow
soldier to a secure position and immediately rejoined the assault. With
complete disregard for his personal safety, he occupied a strategic
position and provided his fellow soldiers with devastating volumes of
cover fire enabling his element to rout the insurgents from the area.
Through his timely and courageous actions, Sergeant Powell was
responsible for saving the life of a wounded comrade and the expeditious
defeat of the determined enemy force. 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 23rd Infantry Division and the United States Army.
Home Town: Ohio
POWELL, GEORGE W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to George W. Powell (0-5434118), First Lieutenant
(Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while
serving with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 40th Field Artillery Regiment,
108th Field Artillery Group, in the Republic of Vietnam. First
Lieutenant Powell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 28 April 1969 as fire direction center officer at his
battery's location in Quang Tri Province. Approximately one hundred and
fifty North Vietnamese supported by mortars, machine guns and rocket
propelled grenades, launched a massive ground attack. When he found that
communications to the howitzers had been destroyed, Lieutenant Powell
risked the Communists' fusillade going from gun to gun supervising the
return fire. Noticing that an M548 cargo vehicle on the perimeter was
burning and the position had been left unattended, he returned to the
fire direction center through an enemy machine gun barrage and took two
men with a machine gun back to the vehicle where he placed them to
provide effective fire on the foe. He then returned to a howitzer and
continued to supervise fire against the North Vietnamese until they
broke contact and fled. First Lieutenant Powell'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. 2043 (June 9, 1969)
PRATHER, DAN E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Dan E. Prather (OF-105801), Captain (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8 February
1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Prather distinguished himself
by intrepid actions while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B,
1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. On that date, he was maneuvering his company to the location
of another company which was in heavy contact with a numerically
superior enemy force. As they approached the village of Lien Lac (2),
his company came under intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar
fire from a battalion-size force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars.
While expertly directing the movement and fire of his men, Captain
Prather, with disregard for his own safety, continually maneuvered among
his men in an effort to pinpoint the enemy positions. After quickly
locating the insurgents' positions, he personally directed air and
artillery support. With expert rifle fire and skillful maneuvering,
Captain Prather and his command silenced the enemy within the area and
continued to move further in search of remaining enemy forces. Captain
Prather's personal bravery, professional leadership, and devotion to
duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Americal
Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Americal Division,
General Orders No. 3105 (June 8, 1968)
*PRATT, WALTER R. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Walter R. Pratt, 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 Pratt
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 8 February 1968 while
serving as a Medical Aidman with 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. 1347 (March 17, 1968)
PRICE, JAMES T.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James T. Price, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Price distinguished himself by
intrepid actions on 12 May 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer,
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. 6769 (August 31, 1968)
PURTELL, JAMES F.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James F. Purtell, 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 Purtell
distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 9 May 1968 while serving as
a Medical Aidman 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. 6121 (August 20, 1968)
*RACCA, WILLIAM (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to William Racca (0-5346486), First Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army (Reserve), for gallantry in action while involved
in military operations involving conflict with a hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Racca distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous action on 9 April 1969 while serving as a platoon
leader with Company B, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division, during a search and clear mission in Binh Long
Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with
a large force and sustained a casualty, First Lieutenant Racca exposed
himself to the intense hostile fire as he moved forward and assisted in
carrying the wounded soldier to a secure position. He then reorganized
his platoon and maneuvered them forward. When the lead element was
pinned down First Lieutenant Racca directed the fire of his men and
successfully relieved the pressure on the element. Upon discovering that
one soldier could not be withdrawn, First Lieutenant Racca rushed
forward with his machine gunners and several riflemen and provided cover
for the man's withdrawal. 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, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 5536 (1969)
Home Town: Washington, D.C.
RAMIER, HUBERT R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Hubert R. Ramier, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 21 March 1968 in the
Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Ramier distinguished himself
by valiant actins while serving as the Platoon Sergeant of the 3d
Platoon of Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. As the platoon approached the
village of Ap Bon (1) during a search and clear mission, they suddenly
came under a heavy volume of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and
rocket fire. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Ramier unhesitatingly
rushed forward to lead his platoon against the enemy force entrenched in
and around the village. After directing a successful assault upon the
enemy perimeter defense positions, Sergeant Ramier moved his men into
the interior of the enemy camp. During the assault upon the remainder of
the bunker complex, Sergeant Ramier continuously moved among his men,
directing their fire and giving words of encouragement. He displayed
exceptional personal bravery as he moved through heavy enemy fire to
close within hand grenade range of several enemy emplacements destroying
them with accurate fire. His heroic actions while under enemy fire
inspired his men and contributed greatly to the rout of the hostile
force. Sergeant First Class Ramier's 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. 2477 (May 11, 1968)
*RAY, JAMES MICHAEL (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to James Michael Ray, Staff Sergeant, 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
the period June and July 1969. Sergeant Ray distinguished himself by
attempting to escape from an enemy prison camp. He recognized that odds
for success were slight and if he was recaptured he would receive severe
torture, long periods of solitary confinement, and possible death by
execution. Although he was recaptured, he maintained strong conviction
in the Code of Conduct. In June 1969, Sergeant Ray was punished for
violation of camp regulations by being placed in double chains, one on
each ankle. Then in July 1969 while en route to the latrine, he
attempted to escape by assaulting a guard. At that time, he had a chain
locked to each ankle and was carrying the excess chain in each hand. As
he approached the guard sitting on a stool in the guard hooch. he
suddenly stopped, dropped the chains, and hit the guard in the face with
his fist, knocking him from the stool to the ground. He then reached and
grabbed the guard's rifle and started to turn when he slipped and fell.
As Sergeant Ray fell to the ground, the additional guard who unlocked
him jumped on him, wrapping the chain around his neck and began beating
him with his fist. The guard who had been knocked to the ground got up
and started to kick and beat on Sergeant Ray. Then both guards wrapped
Sergeant Ray in the chains and locked them and then threw him into his
bunker. He was left over- night wrapped in the chains and the next day
he was again secured to his bunker with two chains, one attached to each
ankle. He was not allowed outside his bunker, and his rations were cut
to one meal a day. Shortly after this, he was removed from the camp and
was never seen again. This extreme gallantry exhibited by Sergeant Ray
was amply illustrated by the fact that so few prisoners ever tried to
escape, primarily due to the rigid security measures imposed by the
camp. This courageous escape attempt served more than to merely get him
out of the prison camp. More guards were required, and prisoner morale
soared. This act of gallantry, with recognition of the grave risk to his
own life, demonstrated a great devotion to duty and his country, which
reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Born: November 10, 1949 at Cambridge,
Massachusetts
Home Town: Woonsocket, Rhode island
*REES, RICHARD MORGAN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Richard Morgan Rees (274367706), Captain
(Infantry), [then First Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action on 11 April 1968 in the Republic of
Vietnam while assigned to Detachment A-302, Company A, 5th Special
Forces Group. On this date a two-company task force engaged a
well-entrenched and determined enemy force at approximately 1300 hours,
while the Special forces unit was performing a search and destroy
mission. During the ensuing action, Captain Rees exposed himself to
vicious and deadly enemy fire while extricating his seriously wounded
Task Force Commander and an enlisted member of the unit. He then took
command of the American force, successfully overran the enemy positions
and assured the evacuation of all friendly casualties. His determined
actions and outstanding bravery in the fierce combat action became an
inspiration to his troops and did much to assure their victory on that
date. Captain Rees' performance of duty reflected great credit upon
himself and the United States Army.
Home Town: Kent, Ohio
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (Vietnam)
*REYES, ANGEL L. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Angel L. Reyes, 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 Reyes
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. 7088 (September 10, 1968)
*RICE, ROBERT THOMAS, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert Thomas Rice, Jr. (273-42-1782),
First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while
engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the
Republic of Vietnam, First Lieutenant Rice distinguished himself while
serving as a Platoon Leader with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 8 August 1970, Company B was set up
in a night location when they suddenly began receiving intense hostile
mortar fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant
Rice moved across the perimeter to direct his men to fighting positions.
Lieutenant Rice continued to move from position to position, despite
enemy rounds impacting all around him, and insured the safety of all his
men. While still dangerously exposed, Lieutenant Rice was mortally
wounded by shrapnel from one of the hostile rounds. First Lieutenant
Rice'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. 4369 (August 23, 1970)
Home Town: Springfield, Ohio
*RICHARD, DONALD W. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Donald W. Richard, 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
Richard distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 23 December 1967
while serving with Company E, 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. 0134 (January 22, 1968)
*RIECK, JOHN JAMES, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to John James Rieck, Jr. (US-51825322),
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a
hostile force while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on 17 June 1967, in the Republic of
Vietnam. On this date during Operation BILLINGS, Private First Class
Rieck was serving as a rifleman. While moving through the dense jungle
near Chu Linh, his unit came under attack from a reinforced Viet Cong
battalion. Both Private First Class Rieck's squad leader and team leader
were wounded in the opening moments of the battle. Private First Class
Rieck immediately took command of the squad and with effective direction
of his men, repulsed a massive Viet Cong human wave assault. Later in
the battle, an insurgent squad moved to within 10 meters of the friendly
lines in an effort to capture weapons and equipment from the wounded
soldiers. With complete disdain for the vicious enemy fire, Private
First Class Rieck led his squad to meet the insurgents. The Viet Cong
were soon forced to withdraw after minutes of violent fighting. The
enemy fire was still intense when Private First Class Rieck saw a
wounded squad member lying within the hostile kill zone. With complete
disregard for his personal safety, he crawled to the casualty,
administered first aid and then pulled the soldier from the open terrain
to the cover of a small berm. When reinforcements had arrived, Private
First Class Rieck again exposed himself to enemy fire to bring medical
aidmen to the friendly casualties. He then returned to his squad to lead
them in aggressive counterassaults against the enemy. Due in large
measure to the courage and calm demeanor Private First Class Rieck
displayed in the face of enemy fire, the lives of many fellow soldiers
were saved and a large hostile force defeated. Sergeant First Class
Rieck'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. 5026 (July 12, 1967)
Home Town: Cleveland, Ohio
*ROEDIGER, CHRISS LESLIE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Chriss Leslie Roediger (562-64-7702),
Captain, U.S. Army (Reserve), for gallantry in action in the Republic of
Vietnam on 8 October 1969, while serving with Company D, 158th Aviation
Battalion (Assault Helicopter), 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile).
Captain Roediger distinguished himself while serving as team leader of
two AH-1G Cobra helicopters. During the early evening hours of 8 October
1969, an aircraft was forced down in the A Shau Valley, Republic of
Vietnam. Although darkness and marginal weather presented an obstacle to
flight, Captain Roediger unhesitatingly volunteered to lead a search and
rescue mission. He remained airborne for over an hour, skirting the
weather and attempting to reach the downed aircraft. While returning to
Camp Evans to refuel before continuing the mission, his aircraft came
under enemy ground fire. As a result of the damage caused by the hostile
fire, the aircraft crashed and Captain Roediger was killed. His 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
(Airmobile), General Orders No. 13864 (November 15, 1969)
Home Town: Fair Oaks, California
ROGER, RICHARD N.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Richard N. Roger (0-5712698), Captain (Medical
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 Roger distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 30 January 1968 as surgeon of a
Special Forces mobile strike unit during the Lunar New Year battle for
Pleiku. The unit was conducting a search and clear operation in the
outskirts of the city and was pinned down by intense enemy fire,
suffering numerous casualties. Captain Roger unhesitantly proceeded into
the midst of the battle and began to render aid to the wounded. He
crawled one hundred meters through savage automatic weapons fire to an
American tank which had sustained a direct hit from an enemy anti-tank
weapons. Heedless of exploding ammunition in the fiercely burning
vehicle, he rescued a severely wounded crew member, administered
professional medical treatment to him and directed the immediate
evacuation of the other wounded tankers. Captain Roger was informed that
the unit commander was seriously wounded and lying in an entirely
exposed position. Braving a withering hail of bullets, he moved to the
stricken officer, treated him and supervised his evacuation from the
raging battlefield. He then continued his lifesaving mission until the
last friendly casualty had been treated and safely evacuated. Captain
Roger'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. 1359 (March 27, 1968)
ROGERS, BERNARD WILLIAM
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Bernard William Rogers (0-25867), Brigadier
General, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force
while serving as Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Infantry
Division, in action against the enemy on 11 December 1966 in the
Republic of Vietnam. During the late morning hours General Rogers was
flying in his command and control helicopter when he was notified that a
friendly platoon had been engaged by a Viet Cong company near Suoi Da.
General Rogers immediately instructed his pilot to proceed to the battle
area. He quickly made an aerial reconnaissance and, comprehending the
tactical situation, radioed for reinforcing elements to be air lifted
into the location. General Rogers directed the landing of his helicopter
in the unsecured area in order to implement and coordinate the stratagem
he had devised. Next, General Rogers ordered the clearing of the most
suitable ground for a landing zone. Due to General Rogers' planning and
supervision, the integration of the reinforcing elements with troops
already deployed was accomplished with precise coordination. With
complete disregard for his personal safety, he ignored the intense
hostile fire and fearlessly moved about the area of conflict issuing
directives, maintaining fire discipline and supervising the evacuation
of the wounded. His dynamic personality infused new vigor and
determination into his men. General Rogers' brilliant employment of the
infantry forces was of singular importance in this mission and resulted
in the overwhelming defeat of the Viet Cong. Brigadier General Rogers'
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. ??? (February 6, 1967)
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (Vietnam)
ROGERS, BRIAN G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Brian G. Rogers, 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 during the
period, 30 May 1969 to 1 June 1969, while serving with Battery C, 1st
Battalion, 92nd Artillery, as a member of a forward observer team with
the 11th Vietnamese Ranger Battalion in the vicinity of Ben Het. As he
and the other members of his team became separated from their unit under
fire, Specialist Rogers and the others joined with the 11th Rangers.
After overtaking an enemy-held hill, the force came under siege on 31
May 1969 from 0630 to 2230 hours. Specialist Rogers' accurate M-16 fire
and ability to toss hand grenades where they were needed most became a
point of admiration among the South Vietnamese, as he rose time after
time to stop an advance with a volley of extremely accurate grenade
throws. His concentrated efforts continued even after he was wounded in
the arms and shoulders by numerous pieces of shell fragments. By
continually coordinating with the artillery and Spooky gunships,
Specialist Rogers enabled the force to escape the grasp of the enemy
under cover of darkness. He refused treatment for his wounds and
assisted the more seriously wounded. Specialist Rogers insisted on
carrying a man back to the friendly lines rather than allow him to lag
to the rear where the enemy forces were following closely. In the dense
jungle underbrush, with the darkness of nightfall and the severe pain of
his wounds, Specialist Rogers thought only of others as he issued words
and gestures of encouragement to people of another language and led them
by superb example. Specialist Rogers' extraordinary heroism in close
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.
*ROGERS, LESTER ALLEN (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Lester Allen Rogers (0-5320517), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army (Reserve), for gallantry in action
while serving with Advisory Team 39, United States Military Assistance
Command, Vietnam. First Lieutenant Rogers distinguished himself by
gallantry in action on 28 February 1966 while serving as advisor to the
Regional Force/Popular Force, An Phuoc District, Ninh Thuan Province,
Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat patrol the unit was subjected to
heavy Viet Cong fire from a well prepared ambush position. Though
isolated from the remainder of the group, along with two other seriously
wounded American advisors, Lieutenant Rogers immediately began placing
suppressive fire on the enemy positions until the hostile fire ceased.
After administering emergency medical treatment and moving his injured
comrades to a safer location, Lieutenant Rogers attempted to locate the
remainder of the patrol. Failing to do so, he returned to the wounded
soldiers and established a small defensive position. When the insurgent
force began the attack once more, Lieutenant Rogers disregarded his
personal safety to engage the hostile force until he was mortally
wounded by the communist fire. Lieutenant Rogers' 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, U.S. Military
Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 599 (April 30, 1966)
Home Town: Kansas City, Missouri
ROMERO, ARTENIO, JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Artenio Romero, Jr., 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 Romero
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. 8879 (November 18, 1968)
ROSE, LEO DALE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Leo Dale Rose (RA-17659435), Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth Class Rose
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 11 March 1967,
while serving as a radio-telephone operator with Company D, 2d
Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a company
mission near the village of My Phu, Republic of Vietnam. When the
company commander was wounded while attempting to better his
observation, Specialist Rose ran to the fallen leader and pulled him to
a covered position. As he began administering first aid, another burst
of enemy fire killed the commander and severely wounded Specialist Rose.
Specialist Rose immediately returned the fire and eliminated the enemy
weapon. He then continued to relay communications and personally guided
a relieving element to the aid of a platoon which had become pinned
down. Despite being wounded, he exposed himself to intense hostile fire
in order to observe the enemy locations and direct the maneuvering
element. He remained in his exposed position until the relief element
had silenced the enemy weapons to his front. Consenting to be evacuated,
he waited for other wounded to be extracted before he himself boarded a
helicopter. Specialist Rose's personal bravery and aggressive action in
close combat 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, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 3661 (July 2, 1967)
SAMANIEGO, JOE
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Joe Samaniego, 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 Samaniego
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 12 June 1968,
while serving as a machine gunner 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.
*SANDERS, RICHARD LEE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Richard Lee Sanders (US-56704066),
Corporal, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in close
combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private
First Class Sanders distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous
actions on 24 November 1967, while serving as a medic on a search and
destroy mission in the northern portion of Bien Hoa Province, Vietnam.
As the unit moved through an area of dense jungle vegetation, it
suddenly came under an intense volume of automatic and semiautomatic
weapons fire from a well concealed and determined company of Viet Cong.
Seeing several of his comrades fall in the initial burst of enemy fire,
Private Sanders immediately rushed to their aid. Although exposing
himself to a torrent of insurgent fire, Private Sanders brilliantly
succeeded in rendering professional first aid to the wounded men and
carrying them to a position of relative safety. Without regard for
personal safety and fully aware of the peril of the situation, Private
Sanders rushed to a soldier who had been wounded during the conflict.
After reaching the man, Private Sanders began administering aid when
suddenly the wounded soldier became hysterical and started to run
towards his unit's position. Fearing for the safety of the man, Private
Sanders dove at the soldier in an attempt to keep him in a position that
afforded some cover from the intense fire. It was during the courageous
act that Private Sanders and the wounded soldier were mortally wounded
by a burst of automatic weapons fire. Private First Class Sanders'
extraordinary heroism 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. 7492 (December 30, 1967)
Home Town: Los Angeles, California
SCHNESE, CALVIN G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Calvin G. Schnese, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for exceptionally valorous actions on 2 May 1967 as assistant patrol
leader of a six-man Special Forces long range reconnaissance team
operating in enemy territory. His team had halted near the construction
site of a large enemy camp when it was discovered and surrounded by a
large Viet Cong force. While the patrol leader called for air support,
Sergeant Schnese crawled to within a few meters of the encircling enemy
lines, located a weak point and returned to the team's location. The
tactical aircraft arrived overhead and began firing rockets at Viet Cong
positions. Braving intense small arms fire, Sergeant Schnese led his
fellow soldiers through the lightly defended point he had discovered to
relative safety outside the enemy lines while the team leader remained
behind to adjust the airstrikes. Sergeant Schnese then courageously
exposed himself to the insurgents and placed fierce fire on them to draw
their attention and fire away from his trapped comrade, enabling him to
escape.
RV, General Orders No: 1993 - (2 May
1968)
*SCHOFIELD, ALFRED VINCENT (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Alfred Vincent Schofield (0-5346343), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic
of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Schofield distinguished himself by heroic
actions on 16 September 1968, while serving as a platoon leader with
Company C, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
On that date his unit was escorting a convoy on a road security mission
when they came under heavy enemy fire. The lead vehicle was disabled and
Lieutenant Schofield's armored personnel carrier was trapped in the
killing zone. The initial burst of enemy fire killed or wounded several
members of his platoon. Hearing a plea from one of the wounded men,
Lieutenant Schofield, with complete disregard for his personal safety,
braved the devastating enemy fire as he treated the ailing man. While
carrying his comrades to the rear Lieutenant Schofield was fatally
wounded by an enemy rocket. His valorous actions were responsible for
saving several lives and the successful completion of the mission.
Lieutenant Schofield'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.: 7043 (October 4, 1968)
Home Town: Quincy, Massachusetts
SELF, CLARENCE MICHAEL
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Clarence Michael Self, 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 Self distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on
3 July 1969, while serving as platoon sergeant with Company B, 2d
Battalion (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division,
during a search and clear mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of
Vietnam. While moving through dense jungle, Company B, engaged an
unknown sized enemy force. Laying down an intense volume of fire Company
B forced all but two of the enemy to withdraw. The remaining soldiers,
hidden deep within a camouflaged bunker, continued to place accurate
fire on the company. Staff Sergeant Self, seeing one of his men lying
wounded in a small clearing directly in front of the bunker,
immediately, with complete disregard for his own personal safety,
charged the bunker. Staff Sergeant Self, along with a member of his
platoon, used effective fire and maneuver techniques to reach the top of
the enemy bunker after a speedy dash across a small clearing. From this
position he effectively eliminated the enemy by rolling fragmentation
grenades into their bunker. 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.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 10360, (August 24, 1969)
SELF, CLARENCE MICHAEL
(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
Clarence Michael Self, 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 Self
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 5 September
1969, while serving Company B, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a ground reconnaissance mission
in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. When Staff Sergeant Self's
unit became engaged by an estimated company-sized enemy force in a
bunker complex, intense enemy fire separated the two platoons and pinned
the lead platoon down prohibiting advance or withdrawal. Staff Sergeant
Self immediately maneuvered his platoon as to cover the withdrawal of
the first platoon. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, Staff
Sergeant Self inspired his men to keep up the base of fire. He also
directed a portion of his force to the rear, securing additional
ammunition and smoke to assist in bringing in supporting artillery and
aerial rocket artillery 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. 10360, (August 24, 1969)
Home Town: Caddo, Oklahoma
Personal Awards: 2@ Silver Stars (Vietnam)
SHAFER, JOHNNY A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Johnny A. Shafer, Warrant Officer (WO-1), U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations
involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop
B, 7th Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation
Brigade. Warrant Officer Shafer distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions during the rescue of two airmen trapped in the burning
wreckage of their helicopter which had been downed by enemy ground to
air fire. Observing the crash, Warrant Officer Shafer immediately landed
approximately 50 meters from the wreckage and dashed across the open
terrain in full view of the enemy soldiers who were directing fire at
him from a nearby treeline. During the three minutes it took him to free
and pull the critically injured pilot and observer from the flaming
wreckage, Warrant Officer Shafer refused to be deterred in his rescue as
he braved the intense heat and frequent sniper fire directed at him by
the enemy. Warrant Officer Shafer's exemplary courage most certainly
saved the lives of these two critically injured airmen. 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.
Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade,
General Orders No. 5088 (June 29, 1971)
SHELTON, WILLIAM R.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William R. Shelton, Second Lieutenant (Infantry),
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Shelton
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. 2002 (April 16, 1968)
*SHIPE, THOMAS A. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Thomas A. Shipe, Private First Class, U.S.
Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a rifleman of Company B,
1st Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, on a
combat operation in the Nui Mieu Mountains in the Republic of Vietnam,
on 19 September 1970. On that date, while searching for a Viet Cong
Political Prisoner of War camp in an area known to contain many enemy
soldiers, Private Shipe's element spotted an enemy soldier at the
entrance to a cave and took him under fire. Realizing the importance of
intelligence that could be obtained from inside the cave, Private Shipe
volunteered to be one of two men to enter and search it. After entering
the cave a short distance he came under enemy fire at a very close range
and was immediately wounded. He began to return fire in the direction of
the enemy muzzle flash in order to enable his comrade to reach the cave
entrance and signal for help. He continued to return fire until he was
mortally wounded by the enemy fire, sacrificing his own life in an
attempt to accomplish the mission. By his valorous actions he imparted a
sense of urgency, purpose, and determination to the men that ultimately
played a key role in the success of the mission. His efforts proved to
be the force that helped disrupt the enemy's mission and indirectly
saved the lives of many other comrades. Private First Class Shipe's
extraordinary heroism 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: Venetia, Pennsylvania
*SHREWSBERRY, ROGER L. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Roger L. Shrewsberry, 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
Shrewsberry 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. 7222 (September 17, 1968)
SHRIVER, JERRY MICHAEL (MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Jerry Michael Shriver (RA-315461629), Staff
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
while serving with Command and Control South, 5th Special Forces Group
(Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff
Sergeant Shriver distinguished himself on 27 October 1966 while serving
as assistant team leader of a four man Special Forces reconnaissance
team on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. While moving through
thick jungle terrain, his team was attacked by a numerically superior
Viet Cong force. Sergeant Shriver and his men succeeded in repulsing the
first attack and immediately pulled back into a defensive perimeter. He
then moved out of the perimeter to reach the body of a dead insurgent in
an attempt to gain intelligence material. The Viet Cong had removed all
equipment from the body so he moved back passing with-in ten meters of
two insurgents. He attempted to make radio contact with friendly forces
but was unable to in the thick terrain. The enemy forces soon surrounded
his team but he directed heavy fire on them and repulsed their numerous
probes. Finally making contact, he called in air strikes on the Viet
Cong positions to cover evacuation operations. Because of the terrain
and heavy firing, the helicopters were only able to hoist one man at a
time. Sergeant Shriver volunteered to remain on the ground to cover the
operations and directed deadly fire on the concentrated attacks by the
hostile soldiers. Ignoring the hail of bullets striking around him, he
fought furiously until all his men were aboard.
RV, General Orders No: 4999 -
(October 1, 1967)
Home Town: Sacramento, California
SHUBERT, EARL D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Earl D. Shubert (RA-16895505), Sergeant, U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action against a hostile force in the Republic of
Vietnam. Sergeant Shubert distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 8
February 1968 while serving as a Squad Leader for Company A, 1st
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. On that date, the company was conducting a search and clear
mission south of DaNang when they came in contact with a hostile force
consisting of more than 300 soldiers armed with automatic weapons and
mortars. The company was immediately pinned down, with the lead platoon
suffering heavy casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety,
Sergeant Shubert left his position and moved forward 100 meters through
intense enemy fire across open rice paddies to rescue a wounded soldier.
As he approached his wounded comrade, Sergeant Shubert took several
insurgents under fire, killed two of them, and saved the soldier from
almost certain death. Sergeant Shubert's unquestionable valor in close
combat with a numerically superior enemy 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. 2449 (May 10, 1968)
SIEBEL, RICHARD JOSEPH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Richard Joseph Siebel (US-55837695), Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth
Class Siebel distinguished himself by heroic actions on 3 November 1966,
while serving as a Radio Operator for the Company Commander of Company
C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On
this date, the company was airlifted into a jungle area long known to be
a Viet Cong stronghold. As the company advanced, it came under murderous
automatic weapons fire from the front and right flanks. As the company
commander moved through the battle area, Specialist Siebel was always at
his side monitoring all communications. Early in the battle he was
wounded in the leg by small arms fire, but refused evacuation and
continued to move with the company commander. When the company commander
was fatally wounded, he moved him to a more secure area and started
first aid. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he
carried the company commander through an open area to the approaching
helicopter, which was surrounded on two sides by snipers with automatic
weapons. Upon departure from the landing zone with the wounded, the
helicopter was shot down. Specialist Siebel returned to the area and
retrieved the company commander. Specialist Siebel also rendered calm
and precise reports to the battalion commander appraising him of the
situation until another officer assumed command. As the battle
terminated and all wounded were evacuated, Specialist Siebel again
refused evacuation. He remained with the company during the next
twenty-four hours during which the company was again engaged in heavy
fighting. Specialist Siebel's personal courage and his great loyalty 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. 101 (January 9, 1967)
Born: at Waterloo, Iowa
Home Town: Des Moines, Iowa
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart
*SINK, OTIS BEVERLEY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Otis Beverley Sink (RA-13578725), Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. Sergeant
Sink distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 27
February 1967, while serving as a team leader with Troop B, 1st
Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during an
engagement with a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. When
Sergeant Sink's squad became engaged in a fire fight in a rock complex
with an enemy force of unknown size and sustained several casualties
including the squad leader, Sergeant Sink immediately took command of
the unit. Displaying extraordinary courage and resourcefulness, Sergeant
Sink crawled and climbed through the rock complex in an attempt to
locate the enemy position. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire
while checking the area, he soon located the position. Pulling back his
squad, he then directed his men in throwing hand grenades at the enemy's
location. Fully aware that he might be taken under fire, Sergeant Sink
then climbed back up to the position to determine the results of the
grenade bombardment. Finding one of the North Vietnamese dead, Sergeant
Sink was climbing down a rock to check for more of the enemy when he was
struck and mortally wounded by hostile fire. By his courageous action
and complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Sink was
instrumental in the elimination of the North Vietnamese Army force, and
in preventing any casualties among his own men. Sergeant Sink's display
of personal bravery and devotion to duty 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: Elliston, Virginia
SLOAN, DONALD H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Donald H. Sloan, Captain, 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 Sloan
distinguished himself on 25 November 1969 in the vicinity of Bu Prang.
While serving at the Fire Support Coordination Center, the Special
Forces outpost at Bu Prang received a heavy enemy mortar, rocket and
recoilless rifle attack. Without regard for his own safety, Captain
Sloan displayed remarkable courage by running through the impacting
rounds to render emergency medical treatment to several wounded
personnel. At one point, while assisting an indigenous soldier to the
safety of a bunker, he was caught in the open and exposed to an intense
recoilless rifle attack. He unhesitatingly threw himself across the
wounded man to protect him from further injury. During a lull, he took
charge of a litter party and assisted in removing other injured soldiers
to safety for treatment. When the camp came under heavy fire again,
Captain Sloan continued to exhibit exemplary courage and leadership he
led the evacuation of many fallen comrades. Captain Sloan's devotion to
duty and personal bravery 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
*SMITH, PATRICK EDWARD, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Patrick Edward Smith, Jr. (US-51832197),
Sergeant [then Specialist Fourth Class], U.S. Army, for conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity in action. Sergeant Smith distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous action on 26 November 1968, while
serving as a squad leader with Company A, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a search and clear
mission in Quan An Loc Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit came
into heavy contact with a well fortified enemy force, Specialist Smith
and several other men were seriously wounded. Disregarding his wounds,
Specialist Smith exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he
dragged the other men to safety. Only after he was sure that all his
wounded comrades were retrieved did Specialist Smith allow himself to be
medically evacuated. The medical evacuation helicopter was shot down
shortly after take off, however, and Specialist Smith was fatally
injured. 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, 1st Cavalry Division,
General Orders No. 14978 (December 14, 1968)
Home Town: Avon, Ohio
*SMITH, TERRY HUGH (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Terry Hugh Smith (56956786), 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 Samaniego distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous action on 12 June 1968, while serving 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.
Born: April 17, 1947 at Laramie, Wyoming
Home Town: Bingen, Washington
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Bronze Star, Purple Heart
*SMITH, TERRY LEE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Terry Lee Smith (US-53399140), Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on 21 October 1966, in the Republic of
Vietnam. On that date, Specialist Smith was called with the rest of his
platoon to provide security for several men who had been wounded by two
command detonated Viet Cong claymore mines. The injured men were being
harassed by an estimated ten men insurgent force in the jungle region
south of Lai Khe base camp. Immediately upon reaching the embattled men
Specialist Smith detected several Viet Cong talking in an area to his
front. He immediately fired upon their position with his machine gun.
The insurgents countered with an intense barrage of fire striking
Specialist Smith in the chest. Weak from his injury, Specialist Smith
protected the assistant machine gunner from the intense hostile fire
with his own body. When his strength returned Specialist Smith
disregarded this painful wound, took over the machine gun and commenced
firing at the Viet Cong until he was mortally wounded. Specialist Four
Smith'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. 3244 (November 24, 1966)
Home Town: Piedmont, South Carolina
*SMITH, WILLIAM DAVID (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to William David Smith (RA-437827144),
Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while
engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile
enemy force while serving with Troop F, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist
Four Smith distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 24
March 1971 in the Republic of Vietnam. During a reconnaissance mission
over a well fortified enemy bunker complex, Specialist Four Smith, the
door gunner, observed several enemy soldiers as his aircraft began its
descent into the hostile environment. With complete disregard for his
own safety, Specialist Four Smith engaged the enemy with effective
suppressive fire. As Specialist Four Smith attempted to protect the
aircraft from the hostile forces, an enemy rocket struck the aircraft
amidst a lethal crossfire from the enemy forces. Specialist Four Smith's
gallantry in action and 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.
Home Town: Lafayette, Louisiana
*SPEAKS, MAC WAYNE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Mac Wayne Speaks (0-2307556), Captain
(Infantry), U.S. Army (Reserve), for gallantry in action while engaged
in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force
while serving with Detachment A-102, Company C, 5th Special Forces Group
(Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain
Speaks distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27
March 1968 as Special Forces advisor to two Vietnamese platoon during an
enemy attack on their outpost near Tien Phuoc. During the early morning
hours, the camp was subjected to heavy enemy mortar fire followed by a
furious ground assault by a large Viet Cong forces armed with automatic
weapons, rockets, and grenades. Braving a savage hail of bullets and
flying shrapnel, Captain Speaks quickly adjusted illumination flares to
expose the advancing insurgents. He then raced from position to
position, shouting words of encouragement to his defending troops and
placing fierce fire on the enemy. Moving to the outpost's mortar
emplacement, Captain Speaks directed intense counter-mortar fire on the
attackers until he was seriously wounded by enemy fire. Captain Speaks'
gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of
military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and
the United States Army.
Home Town: Alexander City, Alabama
*STEARNS, MICHAEL FORRESTER (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Michael Forrester Stearns (RA-19760833),
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving with Detachment A-108, 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. Staff Sergeant Stearns distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 6 March 1967 while serving as Special Forces advisor
to a Vietnamese reaction force during the relief of a beleaguered unit
near Minh Long. After landing with his unit, a short distance from the
conflict, Sergeant Stearns immediately deployed his men to secure the
zone and took charge of incoming troops as helicopters delivered them.
While leading the troops toward the besieged unit, the force was struck
by intense machine gun fire. Although Sergeant Stearns was seriously
wounded, he never wavered in trying to lead his troops out of the
dangerous area. Ignoring the bullets striking all around him, he ran to
the aid of a Vietnamese sergeant and was struggling to get him to safety
when he was fatally wounded. Staff Sergeant Stearns' gallantry in
action, at the cost of his life, 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. 1595 (April 10, 1967
Home Town: San Francisco, California
STEVENS, LOWELL W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Lowell W. Stevens, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for exceptionally valorous actions on 15 July 1967 as Special Forces
team leader of a six-man patrol on a reconnaissance mission in enemy
territory. The patrol had just completed a helicopter infiltration when
it was subjected to intense automatic weapons fire from a North
Vietnamese Army company in well fortified positions on three sides of
the landing zone. Forming his troops in a hasty perimeter, Sergeant
Stevens directed helicopter gunship strafing runs against the entrenched
enemy. A rescue helicopter attempted to extract the surrounded patrol
from the landing zone but was riddled by a savage hostile fusillade and
forced to depart. Sergeant Stevens then led his comrades to a relatively
secure position, adjusted napalm and bomb strikes of friendly fighter
aircraft on the North Vietnamese, and guided his team aboard a second
evacuation helicopter. As the ship ascended, it was hit by a hail of
enemy bullets and forced to crash land. Braving relentless hostile fire,
Sergeant Stevens led his team and the helicopter crew members from the
wreckage into the nearby jungle and directed tactical aircraft in a
devastating air attack which finally silenced the North Vietnamese. His
fearless leadership saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and resulted
in forty-three enemy killed.
RV, General Orders No: 1992 - (May 2,
1968)
STRAW, WADE C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Wade C. Straw, Warrant Officer (WO-1), U.S. Army,
for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Battery B, 2d
Battalion (Airmobile), 20th Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile). Warrant Officer Straw distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 13 May 1970, in the Republic of
Vietnam. When a base came under enemy attack, Warrant Officer Straw
ignoring the fire directed at his ship, silenced one enemy position and
continued to fire until his ammunition was expended. 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. 16267 (September 4, 1970)
STRONG, MICHAEL D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Michael D. Strong (0-5254792), Captain (Medical
Corps), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8
February 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Strong distinguished
himself by intrepid actions while serving as Battalion Surgeon with the
1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal
Division. On that date, a rifle company of his battalion came under
heavy contact with a reinforced enemy battalion near Lo Giang and were
sustaining numerous casualties. Immediately, Captain Strong insisted
upon accompanying the first medical evacuation helicopter to go to the
aid of the company. Arriving at the company command post, he took charge
of caring for the wounded and their immediate evacuation. Despite the
fact that the position was still under heavy small arms and mortar fire,
Captain Strong moved about the exposed area, treating the seriously
wounded, comforting men and ensuring that all wounded men were moved to
a central location for treatment and evacuation. When the company
launched a counterattack to drive the enemy from the field, more
casualties were brought into the command post. Although the position was
still receiving hostile fire, Captain Strong courageously made numerous
trips into the open rice paddies to pick up wounded men from carrying
parties. The immediate and skillful care he was able to provide was
instrumental in saving the lives of many soldiers. Captain Strong's
conspicuous gallantry 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. 3182 (June 13, 1968)
SUNLEY, LEONARD D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Leonard D. Sunley (US-56587154), Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 21
March 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Sunley
distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a rifleman in
Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade,
Americal Division, which was conducting a search and clear operation. As
his platoon approached a wooded village, they suddenly came under
intense small arms and rocket fire from an enemy force of undetermined
size. Specialist Sunley immediately rushed forward to the front of his
platoon and began to hurl grenades at the enemy positions. With complete
disregard for his own safety, he began to eliminate position after
position with his grenades and small arms fire. His aggressive actions
allowed his platoon to move out of an exposed rice paddy and gain a
foothold in the village. When his supply of grenades was exhausted, he
quickly returned to the rear to get a re-supply for himself and his
comrades, so they could continue to press the attack. Throughout the
battle, he ignored the heavy enemy fire and continually engaged the
enemy forces at close range. His heroic actions accounted for five
bunkers destroyed and seven enemy killed. Specialist Fourth Class
Sunley's unquestionable valor in close combat with 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. 2523 (June 13, 1968)
SWANK, LAURENCE C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Laurence C. Swank (0-5424508), First Lieutenant
(Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile
force on 8 February 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant
Swank distinguished himself by exceptionally valiant actions while
serving as a Forward Observer with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th
Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that
date, the company was crossing an open rice paddy near the village of
Log Giang (1) during a sweep mission when they came under intense fire
from a reinforced battalion of North Vietnamese Army Regulars.
Lieutenant Swank was moving with the command group when the insurgents
opened fire and, almost immediately his radio and telephone operator was
wounded. Without regard for his own safety, Lieutenant Swank exposed
himself to hostile fire to aid the wounded soldier. He then dragged the
injured man a distance of 400 meters to the safety of the weapons
platoon perimeter. Lieutenant Swank rushed to the nearest radio and
commenced adjusting the artillery fire which had been called in by the
acting company commander. He continuously exposed himself to hostile
fire as he moved out in the open rice paddy to accurately adjust the
supporting artillery fire. First Lieutenant Swank's unquestionable valor
in close combat with 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. 3032 (June 5, 1968)
THORSGARD, GRAYDON B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Graydon B. Thorsgard (US-55931435), 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. Specialist Fourth Class thorsgard distinguished himself while
serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 8th
Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. On 9 May 1969, when Landing Zone Penny
was attacked by enemy ground forces, Specialist Thorsgard immediately
engaged them with grenade and M-16 fire. The resistance and firepower
supplied by Specialist Thorsgard during the first ten minutes, enabled
the landing zone's forces to be organized and the enemy advance halted.
When his weapon jammed, he joined his Commanding Officer in advancing on
an enemy-held bunker with only a few grenades. Although wounded by enemy
shrapnel, he continued to advance and engaged the enemy with his
grenades. Specialist Fourth Class Thorsgard's courageous actions,
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. 3160 (June 18, 1969)
Home Town: Northwood, North Dakota
Personal Awards: Silver Star (Vietnam), Purple Heart
*TIMBOE, ARTHUR RICHARD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Arthur Richard Timboe (OF-108972), First
Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action while assigned to Advisory Team 70, United States
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. First Lieutenant Timboe
distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 1 February 1968 while
serving as Assistant Battalion Advisor, 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, 5th
Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this date,
Lieutenant Timboe was accompanying the 1st Battalion and other elements
of the 5th Infantry Division on a search and destroy operation near the
city of Phu Cuong. As the 1st Battalion approached the south side of the
city along Highway 13, it came under intense mortar, rocket, automatic
and small arms weapons fire. When the Vietnamese soldiers moved out of
the heavy vegetation in order to move into firing position, the enemy
took them under direct fire. The Vietnamese Company Commander dispatched
a light machinegun team to establish a base of fire but before the team
could reach the highway, a burst of automatic fire wounded the gunner.
Lieutenant Timboe unhesitatingly left his position of safety and,
ignoring the extreme danger, ran to the aid of the wounded man. He
dashed across 10 meters of open terrain, physically picked up the
wounded soldier and started back to a protected area. At this time he
was subject to enemy automatic weapons fire and was mortally wounded.
First Lieutenant Timboe'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. 402 (February 25, 1968)
Home Town: San Francisco, California
*TOTTY, DELBERT C. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Delbert C. Totty (RA-19305441), Platoon
Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st
Infantry Division, on 31 March 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that
date, Sergeant Totty was serving as platoon sergeant during Operation
JUNCTION CITY. His company had assumed defensive positions on a landing
zone near Quan Loi when they were suddenly subjected to an intense
mortar barrage followed by a concentrated insurgent ground attack. The
insurgents breached the lines of another company and threatened to
overrun the command post. Sergeant Totty rallied his men and led them to
the assistance of the embattled friendly element. They encountered the
Viet Cong before they overran the command post and halted the insurgent
advance with rifle fire and grenades. The Viet Cong brought up their
support elements and began another assault of friendly positions.
Undaunted, Sergeant Totty led his men into the center of the battle.
After moments of violent hand to hand combat and effective fire into the
insurgent ranks, the Viet Cong were forced to retreat. Sergeant Totty
and his comrades regained the territory lost in the initial attack and
with suppressive fire forced the Viet Cong back into a devastating air
strike and mortar barrage. The desperate Viet Cong attempted to break
the cordon that closed around them. Sergeant Totty again moved to the
area of heaviest fighting to assist his embattled comrades. He continued
to fight courageously and killed many Viet Cong before he was mortally
wounded by an enemy grenade. Platoon Sergeant Totty's outstanding
display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery 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, First Infantry Division
(July 1, 1966)
Born: August 27, 1928 at Wheeler, Texas
Home Town: Wasco, California
*TREDINNICK, CHARLES NICHOL (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles Nichol Tredinnick (RA-52357613),
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving
with 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. Sergeant First Class Tredinnick distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 29 January 1968 as a member of a small
Special Forces rescue party on a search and rescue mission near Khe
Sanh. When his team came under intense small arms and automatic weapons
fire, Sergeant Tredinnick fearlessly led his small group in a blazing
assault against a numerically superior force. The ferocity of the
assault caused the enemy to abandon their well fortified positions. When
Sergeant Tredinnick spotted an enemy platoon attempting to outflank his
position, he personally took them under fire, delivering such a
withering and accurate volume of machine gun fire that he broke the
flanking maneuver, causing the enemy to flee. When he saw one of his
comrades fall, he showed a complete disregard for his own safety by
running through a curtain of fire to pull his comrade to safety.
Sergeant Tredinnick was mortally wounded while placing the welfare of
his comrades above his personal safety. Sergeant First Class
Tredinnick's gallantry in action, a the cost of his life, 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: December 13, 1934 at Wilkes-Barre,
Pennsylvania
Home Town: Dallas, Pennsylvania
TURCOTTE, RICHARD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Richard Turcotte (RA-67189893), Specialist Fourth
Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 May 1969
while serving as a cannoneer with Battery D (Machine Gun), 71st
Artillery, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date when Husky Compound
at Xuan Loc came under an enemy rocket, mortar, and ground attack,
Specialist Turcotte and the other members of his machine gun crew
immediately began placing a heavy volume of fire on the advancing enemy.
As the battle increased in intensity, his emplacement was hit by an
enemy rocket-propelled grenade, destroying the weapon and mortally
wounding two of his comrades. While helping to evacuate the casualties,
Specialist Turcotte observed several hostile soldiers moving toward a
perimeter bunker which had been neutralized by enemy fire. Using the
machine gun mounted on his vehicle, he fired at the advancing enemy and
forced them to take cover. He then ran to the bunker, secured a machine
gun that had been abandoned inside, and raked the hostile troops with
devastating fire, killing three of them and forcing the others to
retreat. When he had expended all of his ammunition, Specialist Turcotte
moved to a howitzer position in order to assist the crew in directing
point-blank fire at the assaulting enemy. He continued to aid his
comrades in repelling the hostile troops until he was wounded when an
enemy rocket impacted near his position. Again he exposed himself to the
hostile fusillade in order to evacuate the more seriously wounded
soldiers to a safe position for medical assistance. Specialist Four
Turcotte's outstanding courage, unwavering devotion to duty, and deep
concern for his comrades 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. 1631, (June 19, 1969)
Home Town: Moses Lake, Washington
*WAGNER, DAN, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Dan Wagner, Jr. (RA-15546691), Sergeant
First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while
serving with Forward Operational Base Number Two, Command and Control
Detachment, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces in
the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Wagner distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 December 1967 while
serving as patrol leader of a long range reconnaissance team operating
in enemy controlled territory. His team was infiltrated into an area
containing major enemy troop concentrations and installations, with the
mission of locating them and destroying them with tactical air strikes.
Although the patrol was discovered and pursued, Sergeant Wagner declined
to call for evacuation and expertly maneuvered his team to evade the
enemy. During this movement, he pinpointed several large troop
concentrations. He then led the patrol to high ground and requested
fighter aircraft. As he directed devastating air strikes on the hostile
forces and equipment, the team suddenly began receiving intense fire
from an enemy unit which had followed the patrol's maneuver. Sergeant
Wagner alertly diverted the air strikes to the attackers. Exposed to a
savage hail of bullets, he continued to direct the fighter aircraft
until the insurgents fled in disorder. Sergeant Wagner was mortally
wounded by sniper fire while skillfully adjusting lethal air strikes on
the routed enemy. His courageous actions saved the lives of his comrades
and enabled them to complete the mission. Sergeant First Class Wagner's
gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, 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. 6650 (December 28, 1967)
Home Town: Pineville, Kentucky
WALLACE, FRANKIE LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Frankie Lee Wallace (OF-10237), Second Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with
Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade,
101st Airborne Division. Second Lieutenant Wallace distinguished himself
on 4 February 1966 while leading a squad size patrol on a routine search
of several villages in the Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1430
hours as Second Lieutenant Wallace's squad approached a village, they
were suddenly engaged by small arms and automatic weapons fire by an
estimated Viet Cong squad. Exposing himself to the deadly insurgent
fire, Second Lieutenant Wallace led an assault on the hostile positions.
The assault was so aggressive that the Viet Cong were forced to
withdraw. Second Lieutenant Wallace then led his patrol across an open
rice paddy, skillfully executing fire and movement in pursuit of the
insurgent force. The Viet Cong squad joined an estimated platoon size
force who were well entrenched. Second Lieutenant Wallace directed
effective artillery fire and air strikes on the hostile positions. When
the supporting fires lifted, Second Lieutenant Wallace led his squad in
an assault and was met by intense automatic weapons and mortar fire
which forced him to withdraw. In the withdrawal, one fire team leader
fell wounded.....Without hesitation, Second Lieutenant Wallace ran in to
the open rice paddy to aid his wounded comrade and was wounded in the
leg before he could reach him. Unmindful of his wound, Second Lieutenant
Wallace got up and continued toward the wounded man. As he approached
the stricken soldier, he killed two Viet Cong who were also attempting
to reach the wounded man. Fully exposed to the intense Viet Cong fire
concentrated on him, he aided the wounded soldier. Second Lieutenant
Wallace was mortally wounded by hostile automatic weapons fire while
assisting his wounded comrade to safety. Due to his courage, inspiring
example, and his leadership, he was instrumental in saving the life of a
fellow soldier and accounted for twenty-seven Viet Cong killed. Second
Lieutenant Wallace's unimpeachable valor 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 State Army.
Headquarters, 101st Airborne
Division, General Orders No. 3694 (June 12, 1966
Home Town: Cherokee, Alabama
WARCZAK, DAVID J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to David J. Warczak, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army,
for exceptionally valorous actions on 3 October 1966 as team leader of a
four-man Special Forces recon-naissance patrol that had penetrated deep
into hostile territory. Having made contact with two squads of Viet
Cong, Sergeant Warczak and his patrol were engaged in an intense
firefight when his assistant team leader was seriously wounded. Without
thought for his personal safety, he ran through devastating hostile fire
to the wounded man, dragged him into a position of relative safety, and
administered first aid. When the extraction aircraft arrived overhead,
he realized that it would be unable to help the team at its present
location due to the impenetrable vegetation. Sergeant Warczak lifted the
wounded man and carried him through the thick brush toward a clear
landing zone. Constantly subjected to intense hostile fire, he moved
over one hundred meters to the landing zone, waited until his teammates
had been extracted then boarded the helicopter. His courage against a
numerically superior enemy force turned the tide in what could have been
a fatal situation.
RV, General Orders No: 2726 -( June
6, 1968)
*WARREN, GALEN EUGENE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Galen Eugene Warren (3909539), Hospitalman,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while
serving as a Hospital Corpsman with 2nd Platoon, Company L, Third
Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced) in the
Republic of Vietnam on the evening of 20 May 1967. During operation
Hickory, 2nd Platoon was point Platoon of Company L moving to bring a
relief force to an embattled sister company when it engaged a strong
enemy blocking force. The enemy opened up on the relief force with heavy
automatic fire and grenades wounding several of the Marines on point.
Without hesitation, responding to cries for help from the wounded
Marines, and calmly accepting the consequences of his actions, Petty
Officer Warren ran into the heavy enemy fire to aid the wounded Marines.
With complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer Warren
administered critical medical aid to the wounded Marines while under
heavy enemy automatic weapons fire and a barrage of grenades. Petty
Officer Warren shielded several of the wounded Marines from a grenade
blast and continued to render medical aid until he was mortally wounded.
Petty Officer Warren's outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit, and
selfless devotion to duty reflect great credit upon him and were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Home Town: Seattle, Washington
WENDOVER, WILLIAM L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to William L. Wendover (0-5340808), Second Lieutenant
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force
in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Wendover distinguished
himself by intrepid actions on 8 February 1968 while serving as a
Platoon Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment,
198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his company was
engaged with a reinforced battalion of North Vietnamese Army Regulars
and sustained numerous casualties during the initial action. As soon as
the company commander was wounded, Lieutenant Wendover took command of
the company and moved his platoon back, while at the same time directing
their fire on the enemy to cover the withdrawal of the rest of the
company. After reorganizing the unit, Lieutenant Wendover exposed
himself to the hostile fire and moved among his men giving encouragement
and placing them in effective firing positions. In response to
Lieutenant Wendover's request, artillery, air strikes, and helicopter
gunships were brought in to subdue the enemy force, which had begun
swarming out of their positions in an attempt to overrun the company.
The enemy was finally repulsed after advancing to within 100 meters of
the friendly force, and Lieutenant Wendover immediately moved his
company forward and went on to rout the remainder of the Viet Cong
battalion. Second Lieutenant Wendover'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. 3031 (June 5, 1968)
*WEST, NOEL THOMAS (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Noel Thomas West (US-56427096), Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving as a Medic with Company A, 4th Battalion, 47th
Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.
Specialist Fourth Class West distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions 19 June 1967, while serving as a medical corpsman with
his unit on a search-and-destroy mission near the village of Can Giouc,
Vietnam. As the allied force was traversing a muddy rice paddy, they
were met by a hail of automatic and semi-automatic fire from a
well-entrenched Viet Cong force concealed in a clump of trees.
Immediately upon receiving fire, West, in complete disregard for his own
safety, began to treat the wounded. As bullets pounded the ground and
filled the air around him, West dashed from casualty to casualty,
rendering aid that in several cases proved to be of a life-saving
nature. Hostile machine gun fire sprayed the rice paddy, and West, while
aiding yet another wounded soldier, was hit and mortally wounded. West
gave his life in order that others might live; he was an inspiration to
the men around him. West's heroic actions were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit
upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Tacoma, Washington
*WHITMORE, WILLIAM L. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to William L. Whitmore (543461754), Captain,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while
serving with Troop A, 2d Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry Regiment,
101st Airborne Division, in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 July
1970. Captain Whitmore distinguished himself while serving as pilot of
an CH-6A light observation helicopter supporting a Ranger team in heavy
contact with an enemy force. Despite intense hostile fire directed
against his aircraft, Captain Whitmore flew at low level and marked the
enemy positions for supporting armed helicopters. When the Ranger team
leader was seriously wounded, Captain Whitmore descended through the
hostile fire to the team's position. Although a heavy volume of enemy
fire was directed against the aircraft, Captain Whitmore hovered in the
landing zone until the wounded Ranger was placed aboard. Evading the
hostile fire, Captain Whitmore then ascended and flew the wounded man to
the nearest medical facility. Captain Whitmore'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. 9361 (August 15, 1970)
WILLOUGHBY, LAWRENCE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Lawrence Willoughby, Captain (Infantry), [then
First Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in
military operations in Vietnam on 6 July 1963. Captain Willoughby
demonstrated fortitude and professional skill s an Advisor to an Army of
Vietnam Psychological Warfare Team during a military operation which
included a Vietnamese Ranger Company. As these Vietnamese elements
approached a narrow, densely wooded mountain trail, they were suddenly
ambushed by hostile forces, pinned down by heavy gun fire, and forced to
take cover in a shallow ditch. Realizing the high probability of
casualties by remaining in this untenable position, Captain Willoughby
displayed complete disregard for his own safety, left the protection of
the ditch, charged to the strongest point of ambush, and caused the
insurgents to withdraw. He then proceeded to the Ranger Company's 60-mm.
mortar and directed operations to rid the area of the fleeing forces.
While still under flanking fire, he brought two wounded Vietnamese
soldiers to the safety of the ditch. His courageous conduct, unselfish
actions, and devotion to duty inspired his Vietnamese comrades to pursue
their defense efforts and enabled the unit to successfully complete its
mission. Captain Willoughby's conspicuous gallantry is in the highest
tradition of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon
himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General
Orders No. 15 (April 23, 1964)
*WILSON, RAY GENE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ray Gene Wilson (US-54669934), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in
military operations involving an armed hostile force while serving with
Company D, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division,
in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 February 1969. On that date, Private
First Class Wilson was serving as a radio-telephone operator with his
platoon on a night ambush near the village of Phouc Bien II. At
approximately 0300 hours, he detected seven Viet Cong within 50 meters
of his ambush site. During the ensuing firefight, Private First Class
Wilson maneuvered through a hail of hostile rounds with his platoon
leader and maintained constant communications with the friendly
elements. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private First
Class Wilson proceeded to a forward position and put forth devastating
fire with his automatic rifle which killed one insurgent. Realizing that
illumination was imperative to expose the enemy locations, he braved the
aggressor barrage and fired hand flares until he was mortally wounded.
His selfish courage, professionalism, and perseverance significantly
contributed to the success of the engagement. Private First Class
Wilson's unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically
superior hostile forces is in keeping with 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. 2064 (March 25, 1969)
Home Town: Hugo, Oklahoma
*WILSON, RONALD ALTON (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ronald Alton Wilson (US-56833645), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action. Private First Class Wilson distinguished himself by heroic
action on 13 June 1968, while serving with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 27
Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force
operation near Gin Thois Nhut, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit came
under heavy fire from an estimated battalion size hostile force several
men were wounded. Observing an enemy position to his front, Private
Wilson laid down a suppressive base of fire that successfully
neutralized the Viet Cong. He noticed two wounded comrades in an open
area that was 30 meters from his position and took it upon himself to
extract them. Fearlessly he ran through the hail of hostile weapons fire
to reach the wounded men. Upon arrival he picked up one man and while
carrying him to the rear was severely wounded. Ignoring the pain,
Private Wilson completed his mission before his wound proved fatal. Due
to his valorous actions, several lives were saved and the enemy force
defeated. Private Wilson'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: Oakland, California
*WISKOW, INGO J. R. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ingo J. R. Wiskow, Specialist Fifth 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 Five Wiskow distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous actions on 2 April 1968 as assistant patrol commander of a
Special Forces Platoon on a relief mission near Song Be. A small ambush
patrol had been pinned down by a numerically superior enemy force in a
heavy firefight. Responding to a request for reinforcements, Specialist
Wiskow's unit moved to the battle area aboard helicopters. After
landing, he led his men through the jungle and secured a hill to the
rear of the beleaguered friendly troops. Although visibility was
hampered by dense ground fog, he then maneuvered to link up with the
ambush patrol. As he led his men down the hill, the enemy launched a
devastating automatic weapons barrage on them. Ignoring his safety,
Specialist Wiskow moved through a hail of bullets to rally his troops
and prepare them for an assault. Firing withering bursts from his rifle,
he led a fierce charge into the face of the enemy weapons. Bullets
struck all around him as he moved up and down his advancing lines and
encouraged his men to press their attack. He was mortally wounded while
leading his men in close combat with the enemy. His fearless leadership
inspired his men to continue their mission, beat back the enemy, and
save the trapped patrol from total annihilation. Specialist Five
Wiskow's gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, 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: Ohio
*WYNN, GERARD MICHAEL (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Gerard Michael Wynn (0-73940), Major
(Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military
operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On
13 and 14 November 1967 Major Wynn distinguished himself while serving
as Operations Staff Officer of the 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, operating near Xuan Que. Companies A
and B were heavily engaged with a large force of determined North
Vietnamese Regulars. Major Wynn and the Battalion Command flew to the
area in the Command and Control helicopter. To better direct the
companies' efforts, they elected to fly extremely low to overcome the
poor visibility in spite of increasing the danger of being hit by enemy
fire. While deploying the companies to maintain contact with the North
Vietnamese, they flew directly over the enemy forces and were hit. The
helicopter was downed but Major Wynn was airborne within an hours and
again aiding the ground forces. The next morning, Major Wynn and the
Battalion Commander continued their mission and again elected to direct
operations from an extremely low altitude. Once more their helicopter
received heavy automatic weapons fire. The helicopter went out of
control and crashed. Major Wynn was mortally wounded in the crash. His
personal courage and devotion to his men and to his 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.
Home Town: North Arlington, New Jersey
WYNNE, OSCAR B., III
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Oscar B. Wynne, III (W-3156390), Warrant Officer 1
(WO-1), 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. Warrant Officer Wynne distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions on 7 December 1967, as Pilot of an
Ambulance Helicopter of the 45th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group,
44th Medical Brigade, on a rescue mission near Cu Chi. Mister Wynne
received an urgent request to evacuate twelve seriously wounded men and
immediately flew to the battle area. He did this despite the knowledge
that several rescue ships had previously been shot down in the area. He
made an unhampered landing and his crew 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, he ordered the medic and crew chief to climb aboard and took off
to prevent further damage to the ship. The hostile barrage in the
landing zone ceased, and he returned to rescue the remainder of the
casualties. The enemy force launched a second fusillade on his shi, 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. He then took off and skillfully nursed the
badly crippled ship to an airfield. Warrant Officer Wynne'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. 1203 (March 19, 1968)
*YAMANE, BENJI (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Benji Yamane (US-56823799), Sergeant, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a
hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Yamane distinguished
himself by intrepid actions on 16 March 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.
Home Town: Oakland, California
*YATES, CHARLES MICHAEL (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles Michael Yates (US-54437147),
Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 January 1967.
Private First Class Yates was serving as a rifleman of the Third Platoon
of Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 25th
Infantry Division, while on a search and destroy mission. The unit was
brought under fire by a sizable enemy force armed with automatic
weapons. Private Yates was wounded in the initial contact but refused to
be evacuated, choosing instead to help the other wounded personnel.
Moving through the heavy fire fight in order to reach the other wounded
personnel and render medical aid, Private Yates successfully treated one
of the wounded men and assisted him to safety, he returned to aid the
other wounded personnel. But as he moved through the embattled area, his
movements were detected by the enemy and he was fatally wounded. Private
Yates' actions undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his wounded
comrades. His outstanding aggressiveness, devotion to duty and personal
bravery 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, I Field Force, Vietnam,
General Orders No. 244 (March 11, 1967)
Home Town: Dallas, Texas
YATES, GEORGE C.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to George C. Yates, Private, U.S. Army, for
conspicuous gallantry in action on 13 - 14 April 1971 while serving as a
Light Weapons Advisor to 54 Company, 5th Airborne Battalion, Army of the
Republic of Vietnam. His duties were to hold a night defensive position,
but as morning approached, the unit received an intense barrage of
mortar, rocket and small arms fire. When the requested gunships arrived,
without regard for his own personal safety, Bateman exposed himself to
the hail of fire while marking the enemy position with smoke. Seizing
this moment of fire superiority, he joined the company commander,
rallied the paratroopers and led a savage assault on the stunned, but
still deadly North Vietnamese Army soldiers. During the battle, he could
be seen engaging and striking down the enemy with his pistol at ranges
of less than 3 meters.
YEISLEY, KENNETH B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Kenneth B. Yeisley (RA-52357613), Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Troop C, 1st
Squadron (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile), while engaged in military operations involving conflict
with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant
Yeisley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 30
December 1969, while serving as observer during a search and rescue
mission near Song Be, Republic of Vietnam. Flying to the site of a
downed aircraft and coming under fire from enemy automatic weapons and
heavy machine guns, Staff Sergeant Yeisley leaned far out of his craft
as he placed accurate suppressive fire on the hostiles. When sighting
the wounded pilot, he climbed onto the skid exposing himself to the
enemy fire as he directed the pilot to an area more suitable for the
hazardous rescue. Dropping twenty feet into the heavy bamboo below, he
crawled to the seriously injured pilot, administered first aid, and
helped him get into a medical evacuation sling. Staff Sergeant Yeisley'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.
Home Town: Issaquah, Washington
*YOUNG, DONALD RAYMOND (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Donald Raymond Young (US-51614765), Private
First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in
military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 27
April 1967 while assigned to Company E, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry
Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of
Vietnam. On this date, Private First Class Young was serving with his
platoon which was conducting a search and destroy operation near the
village of Tan Nuit. Approaching a canal surrounded by dense vegetation,
the unit suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons, and
mortar fire from a well-entrenched Viet Cong force. The platoon suffered
immediate casualties and its left flank was pinned down by machinegun
fire coming from a reinforced Viet Cong bunker. Realizing the
seriousness of the situation, Private Young disregarded his own safety
and began to crawl toward the bunker with the intent of neutralizing the
threat to his comrades. After moving over forty meters under intense
fire, he was painfully wounded in his left shoulder. Undaunted and
without regard to the enemy bullets striking all around him, he
continued his valiant efforts until he was again hit and mortally
wounded. Private First Class Young's unwavering courage and concern for
the welfare of his comrades 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: Millbury, Massachusetts
*ZERANGUE, ALTON JOSEPH, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver
Star Medal (Posthumously) to Alton Joseph Zerangue, Jr., Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with
military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.
Staff Sergeant Zerangue distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 16
February 1967 while serving as the point Squad Leader with Company A,
1st Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. During a
search and destroy mission west of Pleiku, the company made contact with
a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Staff Sergeant
Zerangue's squad received intense enemy automatic weapons fire and was
subsequently cut off from the remainder of the company. He immediately
organized his men into a defensive perimeter, and they countered the
attack with a heavy volume of fire. Although the enemy inflicted many
casualties among his squad, he utilized the forces remaining and delayed
the enemy attack giving the rest of the company time to regroup and form
a defensive perimeter. During the attack, Staff Sergeant Zerangue was
twice wounded, but refused to be evacuated. Instead, he remained in the
heat of the battle, guiding and positioning his squad in order to
counter t he enemy's attack. He was subsequently wounded a third time,
but remained with his squad to lead them against the enemy until he was
mortally wounded. Staff Sergeant Zerangue's prominent display of
aggressiveness, devotion to duty and personal bravery 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: October 10, 1936 at Arnaudale,
Louisiana
Home Town: Arnaudale, Louisiana
ZUMBRUN, JAMES HENRY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to James Henry Zumbrun, Sergeant First Class, U.S.
Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving
in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Zumbrun distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions March 13, 1968, as Special
Forces adviser to a Vietnamese reconnaissance team. When moving through
dense jungle, his patrol came in contact with an enemy platoon. He
quickly placed fire on the enemy force. Outnumbered and drawing fire
from three sides, he directed the withdrawal of the patrol, remaining
behind to cover his comrades. Joining the other patrol members, he
directed them to an extraction landing zone. With the enemy within 20
meters, he braved fire to protect the recovery helicopter and to direct
gunships and airstrikes on enemy positions. As the last three patrol
members were being hoisted into the recovery aircraft, the landing zone
began receiving intense enemy fire. Sergeant First Class Zumbrun,
realizing the aircraft and remaining patrol members were in grave
danger, dropped 30 feet to the ground, enabling the aircraft to withdraw
undamaged. A second recovery helicopter arrived and he was successfully
extracted. Sergeant First Class Zumbrun'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: Manchester, Maryland
