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) Lowry Arthur West, 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 West distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, as an Advisor to an Army of the Republic of Vietnam battalion, in action against the enemy on 1 February 1968. On that date, Captain West’s unit was engaged by an enemy battalion. In the first encounter the South Vietnamese Battalion Commander was wounded and a consider number of casualties were suffered. Captain West found the ranking Vietnamese Officer and directed him in conducting the battle which ensued. He repeatedly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire in order to keep communication lines of the shattered battalion open. Through his personal example and courageous actions, the battalion remained a fighting unit and successfully defeated the enemy force. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain West, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.