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 Specialist Fourth Class Sergio John Gherardini (ASN: RA-12760779), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 66th Military Police Company, 93d Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Group, 18th Military Police Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Gherardini distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 January 1968 while serving as a military policeman during an enemy ambush in Qui Nhon. He and other members of his unit were moving through the city aboard a truck when insurgents on both sides of the street unleashed a hail of fire on them. As Specialist Gherardini leaped from his vehicle to seek cover, he observed several wounded Vietnamese soldiers a hundred meters to his front in the ambush killing zone. Braving a savage fusillade, he fearlessly moved forward alone to rescue the fallen men. He was wounded by enemy fire, but he continued his advance, placing fierce counterfire on the Viet Cong. When he reached the casualties, Specialist Gherardini pointed out enemy positions to the men at his rear as he reloaded his weapon and administered first aid to the wounded. With bullets striking all around him, he then personally eliminated an enemy automatic weapons position and killed three insurgents. He was mortally wounded while courageously attempting to rescue his fallen comrades. Specialist Fourth Class Gherardini’s gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.