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 (Armor) Buren Riley Shields, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Shields distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 March 1971, while serving as Company Commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Company A was on a combined reconnaissance operation with another unit from the 2d Brigade when they suddenly came in contact with a large enemy force well-entrenched in a bunker complex. In the initial exchange of fire several friendly casualties were sustained. Captain Shields immediately evaluated the situation and began to direct evacuation procedures for the wounded personnel. With complete disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself continually to the intense enemy fire in order to personally load the wounded soldiers into his vehicle and evacuate them to a more secure position. When this task was successfully accomplished, Captain Shields then initiated a sweep towards the enemy positions while contact was still in progress. Unhesitatingly, he led his element in an assault on the hostile positions, resulting in a complete rout of the enemy force. Captain Shields’ leadership and aggressiveness contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the enemy force and to the success of the mission. Captain Shields’ 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.