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 Major (Field Artillery), [then Captain] McKendree R. Long, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, on 16 September 1970, while assigned to Team 24, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. His actions, without regard for his own safety, reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.