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 Private First Class Ronald Gene Jett (ASN: US-56509311), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Jett distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 July 1969, while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission near Ben Luc, Long An Province. When his platoon came under intense automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire from well-concealed and well-fortified enemy forces, Private Jett, disregarding his own safety, immediately took up an exposed position from which he delivered a heavy base of effective fire upon the enemy. Although suffering from wounds which were soon to prove fatal, Private Jett courageously moved across 50 meters of fire-swept open terrain to lead an assault which drove the hostile forces from their emplacements. Private First Class Jett’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.