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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Eugene Jerome Curless (ASN: 0-5339538), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Second Lieutenant Curless distinguished himself by heroic actions on 25 March 1968, while serving as a platoon leader with Company C, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. When the company came under intense enemy fire Lieutenant Curless immediately dismounted his command vehicle and directed his men’s fire on the enemy positions. Realizing that the enemy fire was so intense that the wounded man could not be evacuated he organized a rifle squad and personally led the element against the enemy. The assault caused the enemy force to withdraw and allowed the extraction of all the wounded personnel. As Lieutenant Curless was covering the withdrawal of the remaining friendly troops he was mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire. Lieutenant Curless’ valorous actions were responsible for saving several lives and the successful completion of the mission. Lieutenant Curless’ personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.