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 (Field Artillery) Helmuth Jan Heneman, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.Ê Captain Heneman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of Battery B, 2d Battalion, 319th Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in the Spring of 1968. During a rocket attack at Phuoc Vinh, enemy rockets hit and set fire to several pallets of ammunition along the airstrip. Without thought for his own safety, Captain Heneman entered the airstrip to single-handedly engage in fire suppression. Upon their arrival, fire-fighting personnel observed Captain Heneman so engaged from atop one of several burning pallets of artillery ammunition. Captain Heneman acted without regard for his own life to avert injury and possible death of his comrades and the people of Phouc Vinh and were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.