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 Corporal Victor D. Girling (ASN: RA-17683333), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8 February 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Corporal, then Private First Class, Girling distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a forward observer with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, his company was conducting a search and clear mission south of DaNang when they suddenly came under heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from a reinforced battalion of North Vietnamese regulars. During the initial burst of fire, several members of the lead platoon were killed and the complete company became pinned down. When Corporal Girling, who was with the command group, saw one of the radio operators become seriously wounded and the other one badly shaken, he courageously crawled to the wounded man and began dragging him to the defensive perimeter while urging the other man to keep crawling. After insuring that the wounded man was safe, he quickly re-established radio contact with higher headquarters, allowing the company commander to request gunships and air strikes. This courageous act greatly contributed to the success of the company’s mission which resulted in 207 enemy killed. Corporal Girling’s unselfish concern for his fellow soldiers and unquestionable valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.