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 Frank David Bazell (ASN: RA-56353992), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 1 March 1967. On this date Sergeant Bazell was serving as a Squad Leader for the Reconnaissance Platoon of the 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, which was conducting a search and destroy mission when the unit made contact with an estimated reinforced North Vietnamese Army company. Upon receiving fire, Sergeant Bazell immediately rushed his squad forward to engage the enemy and lay down a base of fire so that the remainder of the platoon could maneuver to a more favorable position. While moving forward, Sergeant Bazell’s squad encountered both a heavy and light machine gun firing across the platoon’s front. Realizing the platoon’s desperate situation and the heavy casualties the two machine guns could inflict if they were allowed to continue firing, Sergeant Bazell immediately rushed forward in an aggressive and unrelenting assault upon the enemy. Even when struck by an enemy round, he continued his aggressive assault and refused to stop until he was mortally wounded. Sergeant Bazell’s courageous actions diverted the enemy’s fire and allowed his squad to maneuver to a position where they could silence the two machine guns. His daring efforts and dauntless personal courage inspired his squad to move forward and annihilate the enemy. Sergeant Bazell’s outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.