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 Specialist Fourth Class Raul R. Gonzales (ASN: RA-18768260), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Gonzales distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 22 November 1968, while serving as a Team Leader with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a combat operation in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force, Specialist Gonzales exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he charged an enemy machine gun position and destroyed it with a hand grenade. He then moved back to his position, secured a claymore mine and with complete disregard for his own safety moved forward and detonated the mine in the direction of the enemy position, reducing considerably the volume of hostile fire. Specialist Gonzales then placed accurate fire on the enemy positions until the insurgents retreated. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.