The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Steve L. Bounds, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Bounds distinguished himself while serving as a Wireman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 14 November 1968, Firebase VERA was subjected to an intense bombardment by enemy rockets, mortars and artillery. During early moments of the attack, the communication wire between the companies defending the firebase and the battalion operations center were destroyed by an exploding rocket. Upon learning of this, Specialist Bounds gathered up his equipment and braved incoming fire to string new lines of communication between the companies and the battalion operations center. Dashing from bunker to bunker and diving for cover as enemy shrapnel whistled through the air, Specialist Bounds successfully restored communications between the companies and battalion while the firebase was still under intense bombardment. Specialist Fourth Class Bounds’ courageous acts, determination and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.