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 Sergeant [then Specialist Fourth Class] Andrew P. Sugarick, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, on 30 April 1964. Sergeant Sugarick demonstrated perseverance, bravery, and professional competence while serving as a Replacement Advisor to a Vietnamese Strike Force Patrol that had been harassed by the Viet Cong for nineteen consecutive days as it penetrated deep into insurgent-controlled territory. While the exhausted, discouraged, and wounded soldiers were preparing for an aerial evacuation, Sergeant Sugarick participated in constructing a landing zone for the arriving aircraft and in establishing a defense perimeter. As the first helicopter landed, it became the target of heavy gunfire from multiple automatic weapons and was badly damaged. Although the armed helicopters repeatedly suppressed the gunfires on known enemy positions and the evacuation operation was resumed several times, the perimeter of defense became smaller and smaller throughout the airlifts. Despite the decrease in the defense patrol and the increase in the intensity of enemy gunfire at closer range, Sergeant Sugarick demonstrated complete disregard for his own safety and courageously defended the landing zone by returning the gunfire with outstanding effectiveness. Undaunted by the hazardous situation, he exposed himself to the heavy enemy gunfire to defend the group until the last evacuation helicopter had landed. Sergeant Sugarick’s conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military services.