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 Captain (Infantry) Dan E. Prather (ASN: OF-105801), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8 February 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Prather distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, he was maneuvering his company to the location of another company which was in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force. As they approached the village of Lien Lac (2), his company came under intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire from a battalion-size force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. While expertly directing the movement and fire of his men, Captain Prather, with disregard for his own safety, continually maneuvered among his men in an effort to pinpoint the enemy positions. After quickly locating the insurgents’ positions, he personally directed air and artillery support. With expert rifle fire and skillful maneuvering, Captain Prather and his command silenced the enemy within the area and continued to move further in search of remaining enemy forces. Captain Prather’s personal bravery, professional leadership, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Americal Division, and the United States Army.