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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Gary John Anderson, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 19 May 1970, while serving as a Mobile Advisory Team Leader, Advisory Team 43, United States Advisory Group, III Corps Tactical Zone, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. On that date, the 22 Popular Forces Platoon engaged an enemy force during a night ambush and then began an assault against the insurgents. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Anderson repeatedly exposed himself during the assault to heavy hostile fire of the enemy. He continued maneuvering and firing until he and other friendly soldiers moved to within fifteen meters of the hostile positions. Realizing that he, his radio operator and his interpreter had become separated from the assault unit and that separation would hinder the successful accomplishment of the unit mission, Lieutenant Anderson elected to remain behind to cover the linkup of the American and Vietnamese forces. Under the continuing hail of enemy fire, Lieutenant Anderson maneuvered to within ten meters of the enemy positions, and laid down suppressive fire to cover the linkup of the two elements until he was fatally wounded. First Lieutenant Anderson’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.