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 Major (Infantry) Robert Laird Ord, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action. Major Ord distingusihed himself by gallantry in action on 18 November 1972, while serving as Senior Advisory, 41st Ranger Group, Military Region 4 Ranger Command, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 41st Ranger Group was engaged with elements of the 46th North Vietnamese Regiment which had recently inflitrated the Cambodian border into the rugged coastal mountains of Ha Tien District and completely driven the Regional Forces from the area. On 18 November rthe 67th Ranger Battalion was locked in combat with elements of two North Vietnamese battalions entrenche din heavily fortified positions on a hill crest dominating the immedaite vicinity. Several attacks had been attempted but were repulsed by withering enemy fire. Major Ord’s counterpart, Lieutenant Colonel Van, requested Major Ord’s advice and assistance in getting the stalled attack moving. Major Ord and his counterpart organized and led the 67th Ranger Battalion up the hill towards the enemy positions. Halfway up the hill, the fire became so intense that some of the Rangers began breaking contact and pulling back as friendly casualties mounted. Major Ord, immediately realizing the implications, ran from man to man amidst withering fire encouraging them to continue the fight. He then moved to an exposed position to direct air strikes on the enemy positions, ignoring enemy fire directed at him. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, he remained in position directing the final air strikes which enabled the Rangers to completely overrun and defeat the enemy forces. Major Ord’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.