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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Stephen Andrew Childers, 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 Childers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam, on 19 January 1967. Captain Childers company discovered numerous caves in which North Vietnamese Army personnel were hiding, and two of his men were wounded by enemy gunfire from one of the entrances. Immediately, and with utter disregard for his own personal welfare, Captain Childers personally led a small group of his men into the entrance. As he led the group through a complex of passages he suddenly came upon several enemy soldiers. His men who were following a short distance behind could not see the enemy, but heard him yell a warning. Captain Childers fearlessly continued to move forward and there followed a series of shots and Captain Childers fell to the ground, killed instantly by an enemy bullet. Captain Childers warning prevented his men from walking into the enemy trap, showing not only personal courage but concern for his fellow soldiers. A clearing operation was begun, resulting in the capture of the North Vietnamese soldiers, confiscation of enemy ammunition, food, and weapons, and the discovery of documents which proved to be of great intelligence value. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Childers, 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.