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 Specialist Fourth Class Mark G. Christopher, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile enemy force while serving with Troop D, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in the Republic of Vietnam. While a member of a scout mission Specialist Fourth Class Christopher responded heroically when the platoon was ambushed. Unhesitatingly Specialist Fourth Class Christopher moved through the bullet swept area to carry several wounded comrades from the killing zone. Throughout the ensuing battle he personally directed the retaliatory fire of his comrades while repeatedly exposed to intense rifle, RPG and machine gun fire, and was most instrumental in repulsing the Viet Cong attack. Upon returning to the Pickup Zone, the platoon again received intense small arms fire which wounded Specialist Fourth Class Christopher. Despite his wound, he set up a base of fire and directed an orderly withdrawal. Specialist Fourth Class Christopher’s gallantry in action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.