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 Staff Sergeant Robert Francis Ferguson (ASN: RA-52493860), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 July 1966. On this date, Sergeant Ferguson’s unit was conducting a reconnaissance patrol to the southwest of An Loc near Xa An Hoa. Suddenly the column was attacked by a Viet Cong regiment. Sergeant Ferguson, an armored personnel carrier commander, was severely wounded while laying down suppressive fire into the nearby Viet Cong positions. He tenaciously continued to fight despite severe bleeding and pain. Sergeant Ferguson inspired his crew with words of courage when the Viet Cong fire became intense. His vehicle was credited with killing many of the Viet Cong and silencing several deadly gun positions. Without regard for his own life, he exposed himself to the devastating hostile fire to assist a wounded comrade. While administering aid to the wounded man, he was mortally wounded. Staff Sergeant Ferguson’s unquestionable valor in close combat against superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.