The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fifth Class Richard G. Calef (ASN: RA-11482421), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Medical Aidman of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action on 21 June 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Calef was serving as Senior Medical Aidman in the forward aid station at his battalion’s night defensive position. At approximately 2145 hours, the camp was suddenly subjected to an intensive mortar and rocket propelled grenade attack. After the initial volley of hostile rounds, Specialist Calef ignored the imminent danger of further incoming rounds as he began treating the wounded personnel brought to the aid station. As he worked, the Viet Cong initiated a second violent attack, and rounds began impacting dangerously close to the aid station. Specialist Calef immediately began to assist in evacuating the injured to the nearby bunkers. Disregarding his personal safety, he chose not to seek cover for himself, but instead used his own body to shield a seriously wounded soldier who could not be moved. As a result, Specialist Calef sustained multiple shrapnel wounds, which necessitated his medical evacuation. His gallant and selfless concern for the welfare of his comrades was directly responsible for saving several friendly lives. Specialist Fifth Class Calef’s unquestionable valor while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an insurgent force is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.