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 Specialist Fourth Class Dale Patrick Dungan (ASN: RA-55876933), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Dungan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 31 January 1968, while serving as a door gunner of a troop carrier aircraft during a combat support mission near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. While searching for a downed aircraft, Specialist Dungan detected a large enemy force that had captured several crewmembers from the disabled helicopter. Exposing himself to the heavy hostile fire, Specialist Dungan engaged the enemy force and succeeded in inflicting numerous casualties on them. As his aircraft landed, Specialist Dungan again exposed himself to the enemy fire as he left his helicopter and pulled the two surviving crewmembers to safety. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.