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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Major (Infantry) Allen Douglas Gezelman (ASN: 0-95929), United States Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force during the period September 1970 to September 1971, while serving as Senior Advisor, 73d Ranger Battalion, Ranger Border Command, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Major Gezelman was instrumental in accomplishing the varied and complex planning required to convert a former Civilian Irregular Defense Group unit into a highly skilled, professional and well-motivated, elite Border Ranger Battalion. In December 1970, at the request of the Senior Advisor of the 4th Special Tactical Zone, he was transferred from Military Region 3 to the Military Region 4 Advisory Team 50. He personally planned, organized and implemented a Mobile Combat Training program for the 44th Special Tactical Zone. He directly supervised the recruiting, equipping and training of the first teams in the successful accomplishment of this mission. He was also a key member of the staff which organized the 4th Special Tactical Zone’s Ambush Academy, wherein Regional Forces Officers and Noncommissioned Officers were trained in techniques that they need in order to train and lead their own units on successful patrols, ambushes and night operations. Before his departure from the 44th Special Tactical Zone, his training program was responsible for the successful training of 23 Regional Force Companies, 3 Border Ranger Battalions, and 3 special units. During the period May to September 1971, he was assigned to the difficult task of organizing and implementing a complex training program, the Territorial Forces Mobile Combat Training Teams. Major Gezelman’s performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    501st Infantry

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    March 16, 1968
    Headquarters, 101st Infantry Division, General Orders 1769 (June 18, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Allen Douglas Gezelman (ASN: 0-95929), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 March 1968. Captain Gezelman distinguished himself with extraordinary gallantry in action while serving as Company Commander of Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Company A had been given the mission of searching and clearing the village of Ap Co Thap, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. As the elements of the company maneuvered into attack positions around the village, the 1st platoon received intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Captain Gezelman, realizing the seriousness of the contact, immediately moved forward to the 1st platoon’s position in order to better evaluate the situation. Captain Gezelman skillfully directed the 2d and 3d platoons to maneuver to the right flank of the 1st platoon, where they could render support to the 1st platoon. Captain Gezelman, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, remained with the forward elements in order to better direct the battle. Under Captain Gezelman’s precise directions and outstanding leadership, the company swiftly and successfully suppressed the enemy fire and forced the enemy to flee the village. As a result of the battle, 15 enemy were killed while Company A sustained only a few casualties. Captain Gezelman’s gallant actions and devotion to duty while engaged in close combat with an armed enemy force were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command Vietnam

    Action Date:

    January 3 – February 20, 1971

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Major (Infantry) Allen Douglas Gezelman (ASN: 0-95929), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against a hostile force during the period 3 January 1971 to 20 February 1971, while serving as Officer in Charge of the Territorial Training Team, 44th Special Tactical Zone, Advisory Team 50, Delta Military Assistance Command, Unites States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. In this position, Major Gezelman was responsible for the organization, planning, conduct, and supervision of training for the 95th Regional Force Company Group and the 61st Regional Force Company Group in the techniques of night operations. Major Gezelman’s extensive field experience, military knowledge and professionalism were evident throughout the training program. As a result of this exemplary leadership, a significant improvement was noted in the night capabilities of all the units trained. Major Gezelman’s outstanding achievement was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.