The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Frank John Limiero, Jr. (ASN: US-51587944), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. On 17 June 1967, during Operation BILLINGS, Specialist Limiero was participating in a search and destroy mission in War Zone D. As his company was preparing a defensive position, they were subjected to intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from the numerically superior 271st Viet Cong Regiment. During the initial barrage, the unit sustained numerous casualties, including two rifle team leaders. Specialist Limiero immediately assumed command and deployed the squad into the most advantageous firing positions from which they could deliver maximum fire power upon the advancing Viet Cong. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Specialist Limiero exposed himself to the heavy volume of fire as he moved from position to position, encouraging his men and personally ensuring that they were supplied with sufficient ammunition to repel the repeated Viet Cong assaults. Ignoring the heavy fire, Specialist Limiero moved forward of his defensive line to a position from which he called for and adjusted artillery fire with devastating accuracy upon the enemy until the insurgents were forced to withdraw. Maintaining the offensive, he adjusted the artillery to cut off the enemy’s retreat. Although he was still receiving sporadic sniper fire, Specialist Limiero moved throughout his unit searching for and evacuating casualties. Specialist Limiero demonstrated exemplary leadership and undaunted courage and significantly contributed to the defeat of a large Viet Cong force. Specialist Fourth Class Limiero’s unquestionable valor in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.