The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Hung, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, for exceptional gallantry in action on 8 and 9 December 1965, while serving as Commanding Officer, 5th Infantry Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 8 December, Colonel Hung led the 11th Ranger Battalion and the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment, in an attack against a strong Viet Cong force west of Thang Binh, in Quang Tin Province, Vietnam. He positioned himself with a small Tactical Command Post group well forward where he could exercise immediate command of his forces. Contact was made with the enemy and finally after a well-fought battle, the superiority of enemy manpower and firepower caused the friendly troops to withdraw and form a defensive perimeter. Colonel Hung remained awake throughout the night directing the defense and planning the next day’s offensive. The Viet Cong attacked in strength during the pre-dawn hours of 9 December. The friendly security posts were destroyed or driven back and the main line assaulted. Colonel Hung in an exposed vantage position under direct mortar and small arms fire controlled the defense. The Viet Cong began breaking through. Ignoring the intense fire, Colonel Hung moved to the forward positions and exhorted the troops to hold. By his courage and personal example he was able to re-establish the line, but under the increasing enemy pressure, it broke again. Colonel Hung ordered a withdrawal and as the regiment withdrew he was wounded by small arms fire. Although seriously wounded, he attempted to direct the orderly withdrawal of his command and the American advisors with it. His heroic actions in the face of overwhelming enemy fire gave his troops and the accompanying Americans the necessary confidence to remain intact as an organization and conduct an orderly withdrawal. Colonel Hung was last seen, seriously wounded, controlling the withdrawal, and firing at the enemy. Colonel Hung’s leadership and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the profession of arms.