(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 the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Howard Charles Jelinek, 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 Jelinek distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of a Field Artillery Battalion of the 321st Artillery Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in 1967 and 1968. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Jelinek, 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.