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 Sergeant Major Ted G. Arthurs (ASN: RA-15295788), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Sergeant Major Arthurs distinguished himself by exceptional valor on 6 November 1967 in the vicinity of Dak To, Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Sergeant Major of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Company B, 4th Battalion was conducting a heliborne assault to seize Hill 823 when the first sergeant was wounded and had to be evacuated. The battalion commander landed his aircraft on the hill and Sergeant Major Arthurs, knowing full well that heavy fighting was still in progress, immediately volunteered to act as Company B’s First Sergeant. He immediately sought to personally lead a detail in retrieving the wounded and supervising their evacuation. He then supervised the evacuating of the dead. In one instance, while he and his detail were carrying a man up toward the perimeter, an enemy soldier sprang up only ten yards away, threw a grenade and emptied the entire magazine of his AK-47 at them. Sergeant Major Arthurs exposed himself to return fire twice and simultaneously another member of the detail threw two hand grenades at the enemy soldier. After the enemy was killed the detail continued. Sergeant Major Arthurs, while still under enemy fire, personally led and assisted the detail until all wounded and dead had been retrieved and evacuated. Throughout the night, while the perimeter sustained probe after probe by estimated squad sized elements with automatic weapons, grenades, rockets and mortars, Sergeant Major Arthurs remained constantly near the edge of the perimeter encouraging the men by his presence. Early the following day Sergeant Major Arthurs inspired the men further by backing the point man on a combat patrol, personally killing one North Vietnamese soldier who threatened the point man and participating in two separate firefights on the patrol, which resulted in the death of three more enemy soldiers and one officer. Through his courage, outstanding leadership, and his presence beside them when the going was most hazardous, Sergeant Major Arthurs inspired the men to fearlessly accomplish each mission. Sergeant Major Arthurs’ personal bravery and devotion to duty were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received