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 Sergeant Gregory Alan Curtis, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Curtis distinguished himself on 12 August 1970, while serving as a scout section leader with the First Platoon, Troop C, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized). The First Platoon received a request for assistance from region and popular forces elements which had been attacked by an enemy squad inside a village. The First Platoon set up a blocking force two hundred meters west of the village and, when it became apparent that the South Vietnamese forces were trapped by the North Vietnamese attackers, Sergeant Curtis organized a patrol to enter the village and dislodge the enemy. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Curtis braved hostile small arms fire and led his patrol into the village following a Sheridan tank. The tank was unable to fire on the enemy due to the presence of friendly civilians so he utilized the small arms fire of his patrol against the enemy and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to direct fire. Upon encountering a fortified enemy bunker, he and another volunteer crawled to the bunker and destroyed it with grenades. Sergeant Curtis then followed the Sheridan tank to another enemy bunker. Again exposing himself to enemy fire, he courageously destroyed the bunker. His actions significantly contributed to the defeat of the enemy and prevented heavy casualties to the South Vietnamese forces. Sergeant Curtis’ gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.