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 Dennis Drullinger (ASN: US-546653), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Company D, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, on 8 January 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Drullinger distinguished himself by gallant actions during a operation in the Que Son Valley. Cut off from the rest of his platoon by enemy fire, Specialist Drullinger was the only man on the platoon’s left flank when the enemy opened fire with mortar and automatic weapons fire. Even though he had the opportunity to withdraw from his position, he elected to remain and fight. When the enemy attacked in force, Specialist Drullinger opened fire on them with his rifle while simultaneously throwing hand grenades. His valiant actions gave his fellow comrades the precious time needed to regroup and counterattack the onrushing enemy. He personally destroyed a machinegun position and killed ten enemy soldiers. Specialist Fourth Class Drullinger’s unquestionable valor in close combat and his 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.