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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Bernard Francis King, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant King distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 28 April 1971, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company E, 1st Battalion, 52d Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal). On that date the company was conducting a search and clear mission south of Tra Bong when it was hit by a heavy volume of small arms fire and B-40 rockets from a North Vietnamese Army force of unknown size. The friendly element was pinned down by the deadly accuracy of the enemy fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, First Lieutenant King unhesitatingly exposed himself to the enemy barrage in order to draw the enemy fire away from his men so that they could withdraw to a more advantageous position. Even though he had been seriously wounded in the firefight, he continued his heroic actions until all of his men were safe. Only then did he withdraw to a secure location himself. His timely and courageous actions undoubtedly prevented numerous friendly casualties from an enemy force with an overwhelming advantage. First Lieutenant King’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.