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 Larry James Conklin (ASN: US-52969184), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Conklin distinguished himself while serving as a Pointman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 13 October 1968, Private First Class Conklin and several of his comrades were on a patrol near Dak To when they were engaged by an enemy force. Rolling forward, Private First Class Conklin engaged the enemy with devastating fire, thwarting their attack temporarily. When the enemy regrouped and initiated a second assault, he charged them firing his automatic weapon and hurling grenades with such accuracy that the enemy ran for cover. Then as a thunderstorm started, Private First Class Conklin attempted to repair the damaged radio to establish communications with his fire base. Attempting to replace the severed hand receiver, he tied the wires and spliced them, but received an inaudible transmission as the splice worked loose. Twice attempting to make a secure splice, Private First Class Conklin bit down on the wires with his teeth and held the bare splice in his hands despite the severe shocks he was receiving. Finally establishing communications, he called for and directed mortar fire on the fleeing enemy troops. Then moving to the aid of a severely wounded comrade, Private First Class Conklin splinted the man’s shattered leg and comforted him until an evacuation helicopter arrived. Private First Class Conklin’s exceptional courage, perseverance and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.