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 Fourth Class Joseph A. McCalvy, III (ASN: RA-18961867), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Headquarters, 7th Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 – 16 January 1969. Specialist McCalvy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Medic with an Aero-Rifle Platoon, which was inserted into an area fifteen miles north of Plei Djereng, to recover two bodies from an AH-1G gunship. While moving toward an extraction zone, the five man point element was ambushed by a reinforced enemy company in bunker positions. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist McCalvy charged into the intense enemy fire three times in order to assist the wounded men to the rear where he professionally administered first aid to their wounds. The platoon was surrounded and was under heavy automatic weapons fire for over thirty hours. Of his own volition he consistently exposed himself in order to help the steadily mounting number of wounded and to assist his platoon leader in communicating with his perimeter elements. An all out attack launched by the enemy, reduced the ammunition supply of the friendly force to two slips per man. When it was possible to complete a successful evacuation Specialist McCalvy established the priorities of the wounded and assisted them to the helicopter. It was only after the whole friendly force was extracted that he mentioned that he had been wounded himself for some time. His calmness and proficiency, as well as his never ceasing bravery, were a constant source of inspiration for his comrades in arms. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.