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 Captain Bernard Hodges, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 6 December 1970 while serving as Senior Advisor, Mobile Advisory Team II-16, Kontum District, Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Hodges was accompanying a platoon of Regional Force soldiers moving to engage and destroy an enemy force which was attacking the hamlet of Dak Wak. Captain Hodges and his unit, upon leaving the hamlet after the wounded were medevaced, received intense B-40 rocket, Chicom grenade, and automatic weapons fire from enemy positions throughout the heavy vegetation lining the road, and were forced to move back and regroup. After calling in artillery, Captain Hodges returned to his forward position and led an assault trying to recover the body of a friendly soldier who had been fatally wounded. At this time, Captain Hodges’ valiant and courageous example and impressive display of battlefield courage, inspired the Vietnamese force to hold off an overwhelming enemy force. Captain Hodges’ conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.