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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Barrie Emert Zais, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Zais distinguished himself by gallantry in action from 20 May 1969 to 24 May 1969, while serving as Senior Advisor to the 4th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 24 May 1969, the unit which Captain Zais was advising launched an assault against an estimated company-sized element of North Vietnamese Regulars entrenched on Hill 795 near the Laotian Border, culminating an operation which began on 20 May 1969. The attacking elements were quickly pinned down by an accurate volume of enemy machine gun and small arms fire, and began taking casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Zais moved through the field of fire to a vantage point where he made a rapid and accurate estimate of the enemy situation. From there he immediately requested air strikes and gunships, which he effectively directed upon the enemy position. Keeping in mind the welfare of the wounded, he constantly exposed himself to hostile fire in order to supervise the medical evacuation of the injured. Captain Zais continued to move throughout the area during the battle, inspiring the 4th Battalion in its courageous effort to defeat the enemy. His keen awareness of problems inherent in a combat situation, coupled with his extensive knowledge of infantry tactics, enabled the Army of the Republic of Vietnam unit which he was advising to successfully achieve its objective after inflicting devastating casualties upon the enemy. Captain Zais’ conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.