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 Specialist Fifth Class Steve Edward Teems (ASN: RA-15842995), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fifth Class Teems distinguished himself by heroic actions on 27 October 1968, while serving as an Assistant Team Leader with Company F, 50th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. When his unit came under an intense enemy attack, the friendly force was forced to call for a helicopter extraction. Although he was wounded, Specialist Teems carried a wounded comrade 150 meters to the extraction site. Upon arriving at the landing zone, it was discovered that additional flares were needed. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Teems made his way back through the bullet swept area and secured the desperately needed flares. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the enemy force. Specialist Teems’ personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.