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 George Joseph Gottwald, Jr. (ASN: RA-11618618), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 February 1968. On this date Specialist Gottwald was leading a five-man reconnaissance patrol west of the village of An-My. He had volunteered to lead the patrol into an area where large Viet Cong forces were known to be operating. As the small patrol was moving through the thick underbrush, they were suddenly engaged by a large, well-concealed Viet Cong force. The initial burst of fire wounded the medic and the patrol was forced to move back. Specialist Gottwald quickly positioned the other men and advanced under their cover fire to his wounded medic. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Gottwald crawled across 35 meters of open rice paddy. Ignoring the heavy enemy fire, his only concern was the welfare of his wounded comrade. His advance was met by a hail of Viet Cong small arms fire and he was wounded twice but continued to crawl on. Finally he fell mortally wounded to the concentrated enemy fire. Specialist Gottwald gave his life in an effort to save a fellow soldiers. Specialist Gottwald’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.