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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard Michael Arnovitz (ASN: 1384840), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Arnovitz distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 30 August 1969 while serving as Senior Advisor, Mobile Advisory Team III-3, Advisory Team 91, United States Army Advisory Group, III Corps Tactical Zone, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. On that date Lieutenant Arnovitz was in command of a night operation in which a reaction force made up of fifty Regional Forces soldiers linked up with a platoon that had earlier initiated a successful night ambush against a platoon-sized enemy unit. Upon arriving at the ambush site, Lieutenant Arnovitz realized that a Vietnamese soldier wounded in the initial contact required immediate evacuation if he were to survive. Disregarding his personal safety, he called for a helicopter and bravely directed it onto the landing zone with a strobe light and arm signals. The enemy opened fire with small arms and rockets, and the helicopter avoided serious damage due to Lieutenant Arnovitz’ immediate and accurate signaling. The superb coolness, decisiveness, professional competence and courage displayed by Lieutenant Arnovitz to save the life of a fellow soldier were exemplary. First Lieutenant Arnovitz’ conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.