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 Sergeant Dale Lee Roy Lucas (ASN: RA-19592178), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment A-237, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Sergeant Lucas distinguished himself on 16 August 1966 while serving as an advisor to a Civilian Irregular Defense Group company during a combat operation near Camp Luong Son. Early that morning, Sergeant Lucas led his unit undetected into Viet Cong controlled territory and formed a blocking position to provide support for another Vietnamese company conducting a combat mission as part of the same operation. At 0800 hours, when the right flank platoon received Viet Cong fire, Sergeant Lucas completely exposed himself and directed the fire of his men until the Viet Cong withdrew. A half hour later, his unit suddenly received intense hostile fire from an estimated three Viet Cong companies. With complete disregard for his safety, Sergeant Lucas immediately exposed himself and moved from position to position to rally his comrades in a counterattack. Fearlessly moving around the perimeter, Sergeant Lucas aided the wounded and directed suppressive fire onto the attacking Viet Cong. On one occasion, he led a charge to within 25 meters of the insurgents and neutralized a Viet Cong emplacement. Shortly afterwards, he carried three wounded comrades across approximately 75 meters of open terrain to a covered position and rendered first aid to nine others. After assisting in the helicopter evacuation of the wounded, Sergeant Lucas skillfully led his troops back to base camp. Through his courage and outstanding leadership, he contributed immeasurably to the decisive defeat of the Viet Cong. Sergeant Lucas’ gallantry in action against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.