The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Marc Allen Flashberg (ASN: US-52771200), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on 21 November 1969, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Sergeant Flashberg was serving as a squad leader with his unit on a reconnaissance in force operation in an area of known enemy activity. As the friendly element maneuvered through the treacherous region, it was suddenly subjected to an intense automatic weapons and small arms barrage from several well-concealed enemy bunkers which caused numerous friendly casualties. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Flashberg immediately moved to the point of heaviest contact where he assaulted the enemy emplacements. When he reached a strategic position, Sergeant Flashberg directed the fire of a machine gun team. Observing a friendly casualty lying in an exposed area, Sergeant Flashberg ignored the hostile fire raking the area as he assisted the fallen comrade to a secure location. As he returned to the contact zone, Sergeant Flashberg was painfully wounded. Disregarding his injuries, Sergeant Flashberg placed devastating suppressive fire upon the insurgent bunkers and successfully destroyed the emplacement with hand grenades. He then returned to systematically evacuate the injured soldiers and he took charge of an element which secured a landing zone. His courageous initiative and selfless concern for his fellow soldiers directly contributed to saving several friendly lives. Staff Sergeant Flashberg’s unquestionable valor in close combat against a hostile force is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.