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 Specialist Fourth Class George J. Mittler (ASN: RA-12827680), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Mittler distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 April 1968, while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a search and clear mission in Dinh Tuong Province, Vietnam. The company came under intense and accurate fire from an unknown size Viet Cong force. During the ensuing firefight, the platoon leader, platoon sergeant and several other members of Specialist Mittler’s platoon were wounded. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Specialist Mittler immediately assumed command. Repeatedly exposing himself to a heavy volume of hostile fire, Specialist Mittler skillfully organized a base of suppressive fire, organized the remaining elements and supervised the evacuation of all casualties to a covered position. Specialist Fourth Class Mittler’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.