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 Sergeant First Class Richard Allen Lavoie (ASN: RA-11363359), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Lavoie distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 June 1967 as assistant team leader of a Special Forces reconnaissance patrol operating in enemy controlled territory of War Zone C. Sergeant Lavoie’s team was infiltrated into the middle of a battalion size enemy base camp, and he quickly began evasive tactics to escape detection. For two hours, he led his men through the sprawling jungle camp and gathered material which later proved valuable in destroying the force. As he left the base camp area, he and his men were detected and pursued by the hostile forces. Only when his patrol was completely surrounded and trapped did he call for helicopter extraction. The first helicopter received intense enemy ground fire, and Sergeant Lavoie waved the ship off. Exposing himself to the withering barrage, he destroyed several hostile positions with grenade and small arms fire and directed four of his men to be lifted out by sling rig. All of the helicopters were badly damaged and turned back for repairs, forcing Sergeant Lavoie to remain on the ground with a comrade for forty-five minutes. Fighting furiously, he repelled repeated probes by the enemy which was pouring savage fire into his position. When a helicopter arrived and pulled the two men to safety, he aided the door gunners in delivering devastating suppressive fire into the enemy locations. Sergeant First Class Lavoie’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.