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 (Armor) David Earl Roesler, 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 Roesler distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Troop Commander in the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against the enemy in February 1968. Captain Roesler distinguished himself by intrepid actions when his troop made contact with an enemy force comprised of two main force Viet Cong battalions in well-entrenched fortifications. Receiving heavy hostile fire from both the front and the flanks, Captain Roesler immediately analyzed the situation and deployed his forces in a professional and calm manner. He then positioned himself with the point element during his troop’s advance into the enemy position in order to maintain the orientation of the attack. Despite the intense enemy fire, he led his forces into and through the enemy positions. The fire became so torrid that the crew of this track had to seek shelter inside the vehicle, but Captain Roesler remained exposed as he continuously returned the enemy fire and directed his troops. He personally led the penetration into three hostile positions and remained in the middle of the enemy positions to control the clearing operations of his forces. In order to extricate his unit in a change of maneuver, he called in aerial rocket artillery to within ten meters of his tracks. Captain Roesler ordered all personnel inside their track while he remained exposed in the hatch of his track to conduct this operation. During the five-hour encounter, he exhibited great personal bravery, aggressive leadership, and dauntless determination. Captain Roesler’s unquestionable valor while engaged in close combat with a numerically superior hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.