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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Arthur Falkenau, United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Falkenau distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 6 December 1969 while serving as PHOENIX Coordinator, Phu Thien District, Phu Bon Province, Republic of Vietnam. On this date the Phu Thien District Headquarters came under heavy rocket and sapper attack, with the enemy breaking through the defensive perimeter under cover of the early morning darkness and the heavy barrage. Lieutenant Falkenau immediately donned his protective equipment and proceeded to make his way quickly toward his defensive position which was a machine gun bunker in a strategic corner of the compound. With elements of the assaulting enemy force inside the defensive perimeter, Lieutenant Falkenau, realizing that the indigenous troops must set up a base of fire and re-establish the perimeter, subjected himself repeatedly to withering enemy fire and an exploding ammunition bunker, rallying the defenders and placing intense and accurate fire on enemy elements. Having re-established a badly broken section of the perimeter, he continued to fight his way toward his bunker when a sapper darted out from a bunker behind him and killed him with a burst of fire. Lieutenant Falkenau’s valorous actions and his singularly impressive display of battlefield courage were responsible for saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers and allowed the American Advisors and their Vietnamese counterparts to successfully defend against a strong and determined enemy. First Lieutenant Falkenau’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.