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 Captain James F. Kanzenbach (ASN: 0-5420471), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Kanzenbach distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 9 May 1968, while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H helicopter in Company D, 227th Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a medical evacuation escort mission near Camp EVANS, Republic of Vietnam. When the medical evacuation aircraft that he was escorting was unable to land due to the intense enemy fire, Captain Kanzenbach came under the hostile ground fire as he placed effective suppressive fire on the insurgent’s positions and performed medical evacuation of the injured soldiers himself. His actions were responsible for saving the lives of his wounded comrades and contributed greatly to the success of the mission. Captain Kanzenbach’s 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.