Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Division:

    II Corps

    Action Date:

    March 15 & 16, 1971

    Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4357 (October 8, 1971)

    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 Major (Infantry) Raymond P. Ambrozak, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 15 and 16 March 1971 while serving as District Senior Advisor, Phu Nhon District, Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam. On 15 March 1971 at approximately 2315 hours, the Phu Nhon District Headquarters came under sustained heavy mortar fire, combined with a sapper and ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army Battalion. Disregarding his personal safety, Major Ambrozak moved at once through intense enemy fire to determine the situation and coolly took charge, thus setting the fearless, professional tone which characterized thereafter the successful defense. Despite three separate sapper attacks upon his own position, one of which stunned him, he continued skillful, steady direction of his men. When a satchel charge ignited a soaring fire that threatened to destroy his position, he ordered others to evacuate it but courageously remained himself, despite unbearable heat, to sustain the tactical direction of the defense. Having ably brought gunships into play, he then led a combined Vietnamese and American counterattack, assaulting successive bunkers, to eject the enemy forces which had penetrated the compound. Major Ambrozak’s conspicuous 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.