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 Ronnie N. Imel, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed force while serving with Company I (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action on 8 August 1969, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Sergeant Imel was serving as a Team Leader of a combined arms hunter-killer team on an afternoon ambush patrol. When seven insurgents were observed to the front, the friendly group engaged the aggressors and silenced two before the remainder of the enemy unit dispersed. As soon as contact was broken, Sergeant Imel led a sweep of the ambush area. Suddenly the friendly element was subjected to intense heavy automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fusillade from an undetermined size insurgent unit. With tactical deliberation, Sergeant Imel immediately called for supporting artillery fire and adjusted the fire close to any route of escape for the Viet Cong. At this time an artillery observer and light fire team arrived. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Imel moved 50 meters through the hostile fire raking the area to mark his position and direct devastating supporting fires upon the enemy which caused the aggressors to flee. His courageous initiative and exemplary professionalism significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the encounter. Staff Sergeant Imel’s unquestionable valor while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an insurgent 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.