The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Utilitiesman Loyd C. O’Banion, Jr., United States Navy, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam, on 8 May 1967. During the early hours of 8 May 1967, the Special Forces Camp at Con Thien was attacked by a reported two battalions of the North Vietnamese Regular Army. They managed to break through the outside perimeter and, using rockets, mortars, satchel charges, flame throwers, and voluminous small arms fire, they attempted to storm the inner perimeter where the Special Forces Team was located. During the second phase of the attack while under heavy small-arms fire, Utilitiesman O’Banion employed an M-60 machinegun continually and with complete disregard for his own life. He was the key factor in keeping the enemy away from the Seabee bunkers. Throughout the entire siege Utilitiesman O’Banion displayed courage and bravery in the face of grave danger, through this and with his accuracy in firing his weapons, he was directly responsible for inspiring the men under siege with him into the almost impossible task of repelling the numerically superior Viet Cong forces, thereby saving many lives and preventing the camp from being annihilated. Utilitiesman O’Banion’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong Force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Navy.