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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Steven R. Kosach (ASN: 0-5714812), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Kosach distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 26 November 1968, while serving as Platoon Leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, Lieutenant Kosach’s platoon was participating in a search and clear operation near Landing Zone Cork when it approached a large stream spanned by a wooden bridge. Disregarding the danger involved, Lieutenant Kosach, accompanied by his pointman, began crossing the bridge when they came under intense hostile automatic weapons fire. Realizing that his pointman had been wounded and lay exposed in the enemy kill zone, Lieutenant Kosach directed his men to place heavy volumes of suppressive fire against the enemy position to provide cover for the wounded soldier. With enemy fire impacting all around him, Lieutenant Kosach left his covered position and rushed to the bridge where the wounded man lay. Firing his weapon with one hand, he carried his injured comrade through a hail of enemy fire to safety. Taking command of the situation, Lieutenant Kosach led his men in a counterattack and was successful in routing the enemy, killing four North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Through his courageous and timely actions, he was responsible for saving the life of one of his men as well as defeating the enemy force. First Lieutenant Kosach’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.