The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Jeffrey W. Dean (ASN: 0-5353618), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Dean distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 March 1969 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company D, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Dinh Tuong Province. When his platoon became pinned down by automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force entrenched in a woodline 75 meters to the front, Lieutenant Dean, without regard for his own welfare, led an assault against the emplacements but was repelled by accurate sniper fire. He renewed the assault only to be hurled back by a grenade attack. Unyielding in his determination and ignoring the wounds he had incurred, Lieutenant Dean charged a third time, firing his M-16 rifle until he was close enough to destroy the bunker with grenades. First Lieutenant Dean’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.