Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Lester G. Viekko (ASN: US-56827200), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private Viekko distinguished himself by exceptionally gallant actions against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, on the morning of 7 September 1968, while serving as a radio telephone operator with Company A, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On this day at approximately 0400 hours, under a light rainfall and heavy overcast, a reinforced squad of North Vietnamese Regulars launched an early morning assault on Company A in the vicinity of Ban Me Thuot. Company A’s mike element, company command post and fire direction center were hit with heavy rocket and mortar fire by North Vietnamese Regulars carrying satchel charges, grenades and automatic weapons. A number of men were mortally and seriously wounded at the beginning of the hour-long battle that followed. Private Viekko, with complete disregard for his own safety and while under intense rocket, mortar and grenade fire, moved from his bunker to the company command post to aid the wounded. While moving to the command post he single-handedly killed several enemy soldiers who had infiltrated into the fire base. Upon reaching the command post he found the company radio operator seriously wounded. Private Viekko, after applying medical aid to the wounded man, attempted to move him to a bunker in a more secure section of the perimeter. He was knocked down twice by grenade explosions, each time sustaining fragment wounds, but he returned to his feet and continued to carry the wounded man. He reached a comparatively secure area and placed the soldier in a bunker, thus saving his life. Following this mission he began moving through the battle area once again, exposing himself to enemy fire, as he assisted in repelling the enemy forces and securing the defensive perimeter. Private Viekko’s personal courage, determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received