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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Newton F. Ronan, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force. Lieutenant Ronan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company D, 1st Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized). On the afternoon of 11 September 1968, Company D was conducting a search and clear mission Southwest of Con Thien, Republic of Vietnam, when the lead platoon, moving through dense vegetation, made contact with an enemy force of unknown size. A heavy volume of enemy fire from well-concealed and strongly fortified positions inflicted casualties on the lead platoon, which was forced to remain in an exposed position. Lieutenant Ronan instructed his own elements to provide protective fires while he moved forward in an attempt to provide assistance. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Ronan exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to locate their positions. After observing the area, Lieutenant Ronan organized and personally led an attack on the enemy that neutralized the enemy fire and relieved the pinned platoon. The platoon leader had been seriously wounded so Lieutenant Ronan took charge of the platoon, and directed the evacuation of casualties while still under fire from the remaining enemy force. Lieutenant Ronan’s courage and devotion to duty resulted in the reduction of friendly casualties and the elimination of the enemy force. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.