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 Private First Class Herbert Ernest Frenzell (ASN: US-56424749), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 January 1967 while serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 199th Light Infantry Brigade in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date he was serving as Point Man in the lead element of his platoon while conducting an operation near Saigon. The lead elements of his unit had just crossed a rice paddy when they were suddenly besieged by a large volume of fire from a well entrenched enemy equipped with automatic weapons. The main body was caught in the open and at the mercy of the powerful Viet Cong concentration. Private Frenzell, not in the line of fire and relatively safe, realized that his platoon would receive many casualties if the rebel forces were allowed to continue their devastating fire. Without thought for himself or his own safety he immediately started to deliver accurate and effective fire to the enemy position. Because of the tall elephant grass he had to stand, fully exposed to enemy observation, in order to fire effectively. His firing distracted the enemy and drew their attention to him, relieving the pressure on the remainder of the men of his platoon as they searched for cover. It was only after every man had made his way to safety that Private Frenzell attempted to withdraw. After having managed to withdraw approximately half way to safety, Private Frenzell was mortally wounded. Private First Class Frenzell’s unquestionable valor in close combat against a numerically superior enemy force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.