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 Sergeant William Clay Baer (ASN: RA-18754482), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a member of Detachment A-414, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Baer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 May 1968 as a Special Forces advisor to a camp strike force surveillance mission near the Cambodian border. Sergeant Baer’s lead element came under intense small arms fire from a well entrenched enemy unit, leaving many of his troops wounded and the remainder disorganized and confused. He quickly regrouped his men and directed an assault on the Viet Cong positions. He continuously moved from man to man, assisting the wounded, encouraging his troops’ fight, and adjusting indirect fire support on the insurgents. Having successfully overrun the Viet Cong positions, Sergeant Baer began a withdrawal in anticipation of a heavy counterattack. Staying with the rear delaying element, he killed four enemy soldiers before he was fatally wounded by the pursuing Viet Cong. Sergeant Baer’s personal bravery and professional ability were instrumental in preventing heavy friendly casualties and inflicting maximum enemy losses. Sergeant Baer’s gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.