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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Roy E. Sheffler (ASN: 0-5235990), United States Army, for gallantry action. First Lieutenant Sheffler distinguished himself by exceptional gallantry on 5 May 1968, while assigned to Battery B, 7th Battalion, 13th Artillery and serving as a forward observer with Company A, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On the above date, Company A was conducting a search and destroy mission near the hamlet of An Bao, Phu My district, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Sheffler was directing artillery fire upon an estimated North Vietnamese regiment which had attacked Company A, when the company commander was mortally wounded. Lieutenant Sheffler assumed command without hesitation and began to reorganize the company as the enemy rocket round made a direct hit on his armored personnel carrier. Without regard for his wounds, he moved about the battlefield picking up wounded soldiers and simultaneously directing air strikes and artillery fire against the advancing enemy. When Company C 1st Battalion (Mechanized), arrived to relieve Company A, their company commander was seriously wounded. Realizing that Company C did not have a forward observer, Lieutenant Sheffler volunteered to stay with Company C, even though he was in agonizing pain from his wounds. He continued to adjust artillery fire and air strikes until the enemy was forced to withdraw. Lieutenant Sheffler’s extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received