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 (Infantry) Andrew Gregory Kirchmayer, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Advisory Team 75, IV Tactical Zone, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Kirchmayer distinguished himself by gallantry in action on November 18, 1969 while serving as Battalion Advisor, 2d Battalion, 11th Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Captain Kirchmayer was accompanying the battalion on a search and clear mission near the town of Cai Lay. After encountering light contact throughout the day, the Battalion Headquarters and two rifle companies were re-inserted by helicopter at 1630 hours near a suspected Viet Cong location. Immediately upon departing the landing zone, the units received intense small arms and rocket fire from two flanks. Although wounded, Captain Kirchmayer, realizing the vulnerability of the Vietnamese units at this time, exposed himself to the intense fire to direct the attack of the supporting gunships. He continued this action until the approach of darkness and a heavy rain storm forced the gunships to leave the area. When Captain Kirchmayer’s noncommissioned officer assistant became a serious casualty, he again exposed himself to the destructive fire in order to render assistance. While the battalion was pinned down, Captain Kirchmayer continued to expose himself to the intense fire, displaying exemplary leadership and selflessness to coordinate with the battalion commander, care for his wounded assistant and report the situation by radio to the senior advisor at Regimental Headquarters. While attempting to assist the Battalion Commander during the final Viet Cong assault which overran the Battalion Headquarters, Captain Kirchmayer was mortally wounded. Captain Kirchmayer’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.