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 Sergeant First Class [then Staff Sergeant] Frank A. Frangella (ASN: RA-261488026), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Battery A, 2d Battalion, 32d Field Artillery, in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Frangella distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 August 1969 at Fire Support Base SAINT BARBARA. In the early morning hours, enemy sapper forces had breached the camp’s defenses and taken possession of a segment of the berm. Sergeant Frangella made his way from bunker to bunker warning the perimeter guards of the sappers’ intrusion. He then gathered volunteers and led them to the assault point where they engaged the advancing foe. In the close fighting that followed, Sergeant Frangella was mortally wounded. His aggressive example, however, had instilled confidence in his men which enabled them to defeat the infiltrators. Staff Sergeant Frangella’s gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.