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 Robert E. Pluchinsky, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 November 1969. Sergeant Pluchinsky immediately deployed his men into strategic areas and directed their devastating suppressive fire on the insurgent emplacements. Disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Pluchinsky maneuvered through the hostile fire, raking the area to silence bunker after bunker with fragmentation grenades. Observing a wounded comrade, he again exposed himself to carry the casualty to the medical evacuation helicopter. Sergeant Pluchinsky’s unquestionable valor in close combat against a hostile force is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.