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 Private First Class Chris Fernando Magallanes (ASN: US-56846524), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Magallanes distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 12 January 1970 while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, the company was conducting a search and clear mission near Chien Dang when it was assaulted by a battalion size North Vietnamese Army force. During the initial contact, part of the friendly unit became pinned down by heavy fire from a well-fortified hostile emplacement. Reacting immediately to the urgency of the situation, Private Magallanes began maneuvering toward the key enemy position while engaging the insurgents with rifle fire and hand grenades. Ignoring the pain caused by a leg wound, Private Magallanes repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire as he continued his assault on the hostile position. Despite the danger involved, Private Magallanes put highly effective bursts of fire on the enemy automatic weapons emplacement while his trapped comrades moved to more tenable positions. Through his timely and courageous actions, Private Magallanes was instrumental in minimizing friendly casualties and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. Private First Class Magallanes’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.