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 Stephen Arthur Spiers (ASN: RA-18344161), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Detachment B-52, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 March 1970. Specialist Fourth Class Spiers distinguished himself while advising a combined American and Vietnamese reconnaissance platoon during combat operations in Phuoc Long Province. As Specialist Spiers and his comrades advanced down a jungle trail in search of enemy activity, they were suddenly ambushed by an element of enemy soldiers. Ignoring the heavy hostile fire, the specialist immediately charged the nearest enemy position and destroyed it with his automatic weapon. He then continued to move through the enemy fire as he placed accurate suppressive fire on the hostile force. It was at this time that Specialist Spiers was mortally wounded by the heavy enemy fire. However, his determined actions so inspired his companions that they were able to overrun the enemy soldiers soon thereafter. Specialist Fourth Class Spiers’ gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.