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 Captain (Infantry) Robert L. Powell (ASN: OF-104232), United States Army, for gallantry in action Captain Powell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 September 1968, while serving as Company Commander of Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Infantry Brigade (Separate). On this day, Company C began receiving a heavy volume of small arms fire from a North Vietnamese Army battalion-sized base camp, southwest of Landing Zone UPLIFT. Captain Powell immediately deployed the company against the enemy positions. He moved forward to the heaviest point of contact to enable him to maneuver the company more effectively. While moving through the intense enemy fire, he was wounded in the hip by an enemy machine gun. He refused medical treatment and continued moving forward until he found an advantageous position from which he could direct the company. When casualties began to mount, he ordered that the wounded be removed from the area and a defensive perimeter be formed. He then remained behind to provide covering fire for the withdrawal. When all but a few wounded had been withdrawn, he moved through the heavy exchange of fire to a critically wounded man, despite his own weakened state due to the loss of blood. As he attempted to move the injured soldier to safety, he was wounded again in the side and hip, but still managed to pull the man to safety. Seeing that the perimeter was formed he began calling for artillery and air strikes which he accurately directed upon the enemy base camp. Despite the seriousness of his condition and great loss of blood, Captain Powell refused medical attention until all the other wounded had been treated. His heroic actions and determination to rout the enemy greatly inspired his men. Captain Powell’s extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.