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) Elton L. Parrish (ASN: 0-5321693), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 2 February 1969, while serving as Commander of Company B, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 505th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date when he received word that one of his ambush patrols had made contact with an enemy unit, Captain Parrish immediately gathered the company reaction force and moved to reinforce the friendly element. Leading his men in an assault on the hostile positions, he quickly killed three of the enemy and thwarted their attempt to overrun the small friendly patrol. In spite of the intense hostile fire, he continued the advance until the enemy was completely routed. As a result of his courageous leadership, the friendly force killed ten of the enemy but suffered no casualties. Captain Parrish’s courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.