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 Captain (Infantry) Paul Francis Wertz (ASN: OF-96273), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Wertz distinguished himself while serving as Company Commander of Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on a combat operation near the village of Phu Loc, Republic of Vietnam. The company, led by the First Platoon, was engaged in a large sweep designed to drive insurgents from fortified positions. As it moved out, the Third Platoon came under heavy enemy fire. Captain Wertz immediately moved forward from his rear position to the lead element of the platoon to assess the situation. After making his assessment, Captain Wertz again moved through the heavy automatic weapons fire to the Third Platoon and personally directed its movement. Despite the heavy fire and with complete disregard for his own welfare, Captain Wertz again moved with the forward element of the platoon in order to effectively control the flanking attack on the enemy. Through informants captured during the sweep, it was determined that an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Regulars waited to ambush the company. Because of the enemy’s numerical superiority and proximity, Captain Wertz chose to withdraw in order to call n effective artillery fire. Captain Wertz personally directed all elements of the company in an orderly withdrawal and, in spite of the heavy enemy fire, remained in place until assured that all elements of his company had withdrawn. Captain Wertz’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.