The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert Earl Harris (ASN: US-67183724), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 9 May 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Harris distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a machinegunner with Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his company was conducting a combat mission near the village of Phu Vinh Dong (3) when they suddenly came under intense rocket, mortar, and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior enemy force located in well-entrenched bunkers. During the initial contact, Private Harris’ platoon sergeant was seriously wounded and unable to move to a position of safety. Immediately, Private Harris volunteered to assist four of his fellow soldiers in trying to assist the wounded man. With complete disregard for his own safety, he courageously raced through the bullet-swept area while providing accurate protective fire to cover the advance of the other men. In the final sprint to the wounded soldier’s position, Private Harris was seriously wounded by a burst from an enemy machinegun. In spite of his critical condition, he contrived to provide covering fire for his comrades which greatly aided in the successful evacuation of his wounded platoon sergeant. Private First Class Harris’ unquestionable valor while in close combat with a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.