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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph Ladensack, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 1st Infantry Division, in action on 12 July 1969 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Lieutenant Ladensack was serving as a platoon leader with his mechanized unit on a reconnaissance in force operation along the northeastern edge of the Black Virgin Mountain. As the friendly force proceeded to the base of Nui Cau, the rugged terrain required that the infantry dismount and advance up the hill without tracks. When the ground elements began the initial maneuver, it was suddenly subjected o an intense automatic weapons, small arms, and rocket propelled grenade fusillade from a well-entrenched insurgent unit. Acting with tactical deliberation, Lieutenant Ladensack immediately organized his men into a strategic withdrawal. Observing a seriously wounded comrade lying in an exposed area, Lieutenant Ladensack ignored the hostile barrage and proceeded to the injured man’s location. After applying emergency first aid to the casualty, he carried the disabled soldier to the medical evacuation zone. Although painfully wounded in the right arm, Lieutenant Ladensack assumed command of the entire element when he learned the company commander had been mortally wounded. Immediately organizing the rapid removal of all the casualties to the medical evacuation zone, he then redeployed his men tin strategic positions for a determined assault of the aggressor emplacements. His courageous initiative and exemplary professionalism significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the engagement. Second Lieutenant Ladensack’s unquestionable valor while engaged in military operations involvi8ng 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.

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph Ladensack, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 1st Infantry Division, in action on 24 May 1969 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Lieutenant Ladensack was serving as a platoon leader with his mechanized unit on a battalion-minus reconnaissance in force operation near the village of Minh Duc. As the friendly force proceeded through the treacherous region, it was suddenly subjected to an intense automatic weapons, small arms, and rocket-propelled grenade fusillade from an undetermined size insurgent unit. Acting with tactical deliberation, Lieutenant Ladensack immediately deployed his men into strategic positions and directed their suppressive fire with devastating effect. Personally leading his men on a determined assault of the aggressor emplacements, Lieutenant Ladensack maneuvered from position to position as he coordinated his platoon’s steady advance into the insurgent strongholds. When a key enemy fortification prevented his platoon’s forward movement, Lieutenant Ladensack silenced the obstacle with accurate fire from his rocket grenade weapon. Continuing to expose himself to the hostile fusillade, he led his platoon to a triumphant rout of the aggressor force. His courageous initiative and exemplary professionalism significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the engagement. Second Lieutenant Ladensack’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces 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.