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 Clarence Freddie Gipson (ASN: US-55876018), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth Class Gipson distinguished himself by heroic actions on 26 February 1967, while serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. His company was assigned the mission of providing security for an engineer operation near the village of Phu Hoa Dong, Republic of Vietnam. At 0015 hours, approximately 300 Viet Cong attacked the company position and were initially beaten back. At 0100 hours numerous Viet Cong managed to penetrate the company’s perimeter and attacked the company command post. During this period of heavy mortar, intense recoilless rifle and small arms fire, Specialist Gipson left the security of his position in order to obtain desperately needed ammunition. Returning to his position with the ammunition, Specialist Gipson discovered a severely wounded comrade and, through an unrelenting, intense volume of enemy fire, he moved the wounded man to shelter where medical assistance was administered. Through the remained of the night Specialist Gipson distributed ammunition and gave encouragement to the members of his squad. Specialist Gipson’s heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.