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 Sergeant First Class [then Specialist Fourth Class] Francis A. Cortez, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 18 June 1970. His actions, without regard for his own safety, reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.