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 [then Specialist Fourth Class] Gary Wayne Gear, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 May 1970. Specialist Gear distinguished himself while serving as a machine gunner in Company E, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), during combat operations in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. While approaching an enemy bunker complex, Specialist Gear’s platoon received intense hostile fire. Despite his wounds, he continued firing and continued moving forward ahead of the rest of the men. He maneuvered from position to position under hostile fire in spite of his wounds to provide covering fire for his comrades. While maneuvering against the insurgents, Specialist Gear was mortally wounded by a command-detonated anti-personnel mine. Specialist Gear’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.