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 Captain (Infantry) Frank John Karoly (ASN: 0-98783), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Team 88, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Karoly distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 7 January 1969 while serving as District Senior Advisor, Don Nhon District, Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Captain Karoly was advising two Regional Forces companies on a search and destroy mission. When heavy contact was made, he fearlessly moved to the front to assist in directing the attack. Despite the intense hostile fire, he established a landing zone and directed the evacuation of three seriously wounded soldiers. Contact was later broken and the Vietnamese forces began their return march. Moving amongst extremely dense vegetation, they were ambushed by heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. Captain Karoly, while under fire, moved from position to position, directing the soldiers and exhorting them to vigorously engage the enemy. Air and gunship support was called for, but in the dense jungle, it was impossible to effectively adjust fire. Captain Karoly moved to a completely exposed location and pinpointed his position by throwing smoke bombs. Meanwhile the enemy had surrounded the friendly forces. Seeing an opportunity to break out, Captain Karoly left his position and urged the soldiers to follow. He then remained in the open to direct airstrikes to cover the moving soldiers. Captain Karoly’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.