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 Specialist Fourth Class Howard Atkinson (ASN: 13892136), United States Army, for gallantry In action. Specialist Fourth Class Atkinson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 February 1969, while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company D, 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While Company D was established in the Dau Tieng Base Camp, the base came under an intense attack from a numerically superior hostile force. During the initial contact, Specialist Atkinson’s platoon sergeant was wounded by the deadly Viet Cong shelling. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Atkinson exposed himself as he moved through the holocaust of exploding projectiles to the aid of his wounded comrade. Upon reaching the injured man, Specialist Atkinson began administering life-saving first aid to his fallen comrade. Even when the enemy directed a heavy volume of fire on Specialist Atkinson’s position, he refused to leave the side of the wounded man. As he continued giving medical aid, Specialist Atkinson was fatally wounded by the intense hostile fire. His valorous actions were responsible for saving a man’s life and the success of the mission. Specialist Atkinson’s 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.