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 Captain (Infantry) Freddy E. McFarren (ASN: OF-107835), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain McFarren distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 31 December 1968 while serving as Senior Advisor, 21st Ranger Battalion, 1st Ranger Group, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. As the unit moved through a paddy area bordered by dense bamboo thicket, an enemy force initiated an ambush from the left rear of the command group. Nine Rangers, including Captain McFarren, fell wounded by the initial burst of automatic weapons, rocket, and mortar fire. Although seriously wounded in the left forearm, Captain McFarren immediately moved through the hail of enemy fire to the position of the radioman to request assistance. Continuing to refuse medical attention, he then moved through the fire-swept area to the position of the Battalion Commander to assist in the deployment of the Vietnamese troops and direct their defensive fires, helicopter gunships were soon on station and Captain McFarren selflessly exposed himself in the face of a vigorously executed ambush to gain a vantage point to effectively direct he supporting aircraft. As he fearlessly moved through the barrage, directing supporting arms, the stunned and beleaguered Rangers rallied to his daring display of bravery and successfully overran the enemy. The Rangers quickly gained fire superiority and Captain McFarren began preparation for evacuation of the seriously wounded soldiers. Still in great pain, he refused to be treated until all the wounded Rangers had received much needed medical attention. Captain McFaren’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.