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) Robert Frank Serio, Jr., 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 Serio distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam, on 17 April 1968. On that date, an aero-rifle infantry platoon had been inserted into a patch of jungle along a rice paddy. Immediately upon debarking the aircraft, the infantry was ambushed and received withering fire, causing heavy casualties, pinning them down. Without relief they could have been annihilated and Captain Serio immediately rallied his forces and moved them 10 miles to the location of the friendly infantry unit, where his troop was confronted by the enemy’s devastating fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Serio positioned his vehicle at the point of contact where he could best control the action of his elements. He personally directed each vehicle into a strategic position between the pinned-down infantry unit and the enemy force, and chose a secured landing zone to be utilized by helicopters evacuating the wounded. After securing the friendly force’s positions, he assigned each platoon a sector of fire and began an attack that routed the enemy from their bunkers and entrenched positions, thus saving the lives of his brothers in the Infantry. As the enemy broke contact, his track received a direct hit from an enemy rocket, and Captain Serio was mortally wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Serio, 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.