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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Leroy Newton Suddath, Jr. (ASN: 0-73893), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, on 30 January 1969. On this date, Lieutenant Colonel Suddath was serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the command and control ship while directing a reconnaissance in force operation about 20 kilometers southeast of Lai Khe, South Vietnam. As the friendly force proceeded through the perilous terrain, the lead element observed an enemy force to their front. When an aerial rifle platoon was inserted near the insurgent forces, it was immediately subjected to an intense barrage of hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire. Colonel Suddath immediately assumed command of the friendly element from his light observation helicopter and directed the battalion reaction force into the embattled area. As the fighting became more intense, Colonel Suddath completely disregarded his personal welfare and ordered the pilot to land and assumed direct command of the ground forces. After the evacuation of two seriously wounded officers, Colonel Suddath continued to brave the vicious hostile fusillade as he reorganized his ground forces and routed the enemy from their well-entrenched base camp. A Thorough search of the insurgent camp resulted in the capture of numerous documents and equipment along with the bodies of three aggressors. Lieutenant Colonel Suddath’s unquestionable valor while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an insurgent force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Leroy Newton Suddath, Jr. (ASN: 0-73893), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Suddath distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in 1968 and 1969. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Suddath, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.