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 Specialist Fourth Class Gary William Boughner (ASN: US-54973730), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on 30 December 1968. Specialist Fourth Class Boughner distinguished himself while serving as a fire team leader during combat operations in the vicinity of Phong Dien, Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 0845 hours, while moving through a densely wooded thicket, his platoon came under heavy automatic and small arms fire from an estimated platoon-sized enemy force. Although completely unprotected throughout the lengthy firefight, Specialist Boughner continually moved among his men, directing their fire and insuring that they had a constant supply of ammunition. As the exchange developed and fire superiority was gained, the enemy began to withdraw. Although realizing the dangers which prevailed throughout the mined area, he led his men in pursuit of the fleeing enemy. His outstanding leadership enabled him to guide his men safely as they closed on the insurgents and re-established contact. While positioning the men, an anti-personnel mine exploded, wounding several members of the squad to his right flank. Realizing the seriousness of the predicament, for the wounded were located in positions of great vulnerability, Specialist Boughner maneuvered his men to the right flank in order to provide protective fire while members of a third squad moved in to extract the wounded. At the onset, the enemy unleashed a tremendous volume of fire on the rescuers. Fearing for the injured and hoping to expedite the rescue, Specialist Boughner moved to extract one of the injured men, but as he went a second mine exploded, mortally wounding the gallant young leader. Specialist Boughner’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.