The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal [then Private First Class] Keith Edward Utter (ASN: US-56988031), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam, on 14 July 1970. Corporal Utter distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company D, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), during combat action near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. While in a night defensive position, Corporal Utter’s unit came under an intense hostile attack, and he immediately maneuvered through the hostile fire to the section of the perimeter that was hardest hit. While directing effective fire on the enemy, Corporal Utter spotted a wounded comrade lying in an exposed position. When his attempt to reach the man was halted by the hostile fire, he noticed small arms fire being directed at the casualty. Corporal Utter immediately rushed to him, but was mortally wounded by hostile fire while attempting to move the man to a protected position. Corporal Utter’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.