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 Private First Class Maurice Kent Dockery (ASN: US-51986253), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on 1 February 1968. On this date, Private First Class Dockery was serving as a rifleman with his company on a reconnaissance in force operation 15 kilometers northwest of Lai Khe. As the friendly force proceeded through a treacherous region, it was suddenly subjected to a vicious automatic weapons fusillade which wounded and pinned down the pointman approximately 15 feet from an enemy bunker. Private First Class Dockery maneuvered through a hail of hostile rounds to a more advantageous position and placed suppressive covering fire while several companions made four futile attempts to retrieve the injured man. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private First Class Dockery braved the insurgent barrage as he stood up and ran to his wounded comrade in full view of the aggressors. Ignoring the enemy fire raking the area, Private First Class Dockery assisted in pulling the casualty to a more secure location and administering first aid to the individual. The exemplary courage, selfless concern for his fellow soldier, and heroic determination demonstrated by Private First Class Dockery were instrumental in saving a man’s life, and significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the encounter. Private First Class Dockery’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army.