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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) Russell DeVries, Jr. (ASN: 0-95875), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain DeVries, Commanding Officer, Company C, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) (Separate), distinguished himself by heroic actions on 4 November 1966, on a search and destroy mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. Company C was moving through a thickly wooded, heavily vegetated, Viet Cong infested area when another American company was fired upon and halted by an estimated Viet Cong battalion to their front, sustaining heavy casualties. The enemy employed automatic weapons, small arms, and grenade launchers against the stricken unit. Captain DeVries evaluated the situation quickly and maneuvered his third platoon to within 35 meters of the Viet Cong to return suppressive fires on the enemy. During the ensuing five hours, Captain DeVries continuously exposed himself to the Viet Cong fire to control and inspire his men to continue the devastating fires on the hostile force resulting in 30 Viet Cong dead. Captain DeVries also exposed himself to hostile small arms fire in order to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. Captain DeVries’ extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) (Separate)

    Action Date:

    September 27, 1966
    Headquarters, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, General Orders No. 172 (November 12, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry) Russell DeVries, Jr. (ASN: 0-95875), United States Army, for heroism action during ground operations against a hostile force. Captain DeVries distinguished himself while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) (Separate), on a search and destroy mission in Tay Ninh Province. Republic of Vietnam. Company C was ordered to cover the withdrawal of two companies of Vietnamese Civilian Irregular Defense Group Forces from the vicinity of Nui Ba Den mountain. Although under intense hostile fire, Captain DeVries led his third and fourth platoons in an attack on prepared enemy positions on the mountain. By laying down a heavy base of fire, his company provided a withdrawal route for the friendly forces. As a landing zone was established 150 meters to the rear so that the casualties could be evacuated by helicopter, the Viet Cong infiltrated the dense jungle on three sides of Captain DeVries’ blocking force in an attempt to disrupt evacuation procedures. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain DeVries constantly exposed himself to enemy fire to direct the fire of the blocking force. Captain DeVries’ conspicuous gallantry and complete control of the situation under hostile fire, enabled the helicopter to evacuate all of the friendly casualties. As his company was withdrawing, the Viet Cong increased the intensity of their fire, inflicting two casualties on the company. Captain DeVries exposed himself again to the deadly fire to direct the orderly withdrawal of his men. Captain DeVries courage, calmness, and military professionalism brings great credit upon himself, his unit, the 196th Infantry Brigade, and the United States Army.