The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Specialist Fifth Class Mark Rost Tietjen (ASN: US-51980766), United States Army, for heroism in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Tietjen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 May 1969 while serving as a Medic with Company D, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment. On that date, the company was sent to assist a sister element which was pinned down by a large North Vietnamese Army force near An Loi. While sweeping across a series of open rice paddies toward the besieged element, the company encountered a heavily armed, well entrenched enemy force. In the initial barrage of fire, numerous friendly soldiers were seriously wounded and fell in exposed locations. After reaching a covered position, Specialist Tietjen spotted his platoon leader and another comrade lying in open areas with severe fragmentation wounds. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Tietjen left his relatively secure location and maneuvered through the hostile fire to his platoon leader. Ignoring the enemy fire that was impacting within a few meters of him, Specialist Tietjen calmly administered first aid to the wounded officer and then moved to another wounded soldier to render medical assistance. He then gallantly pulled both men to covered positions. His courageous actions were directly responsible for saving the lives of his fellow soldiers and inspired the remainder of the company to rally and rout the large enemy force. Specialist Fifth Class Tietjen’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.