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 George Keats (ASN: OF-104822), 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 Keats distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 February 1968. On that date, Captain Keats’ company went to the aid of one of his platoons that had come under enemy attack. Knowing that a sweep through a nearby hamlet would be extremely dangerous, he asked for volunteers and twenty of his soldiers willingly went with him. As he and the volunteers moved forward, they came under heavy enemy fire. To call in preplanned mortar fire, Captain Keats immediately dashed to his forward observer’s position through a hail of enemy fire. When this supporting fire began, Captain Keats led his men in an assault on the enemy position but was mortally wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Keats, 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.