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) Jerome Michael Ledzinski, 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 Ledzinski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, while serving as Advisor and Commander of a Civilian Irregular Defense Group, in action against the enemy in March 1968. Captain Ledzinski’s unit came under intense small arms, automatic weapons, and .50 caliber machine gun fire from an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese. Realizing the extreme gravity of the situation, Captain Ledzinski took command of the soldiers, rallied the exhausted and beleaguered men, and shouting encouragement to them, repositioned them so as to maintain the strongest defense perimeter. Sighting an enemy machinegun, without regard for his own safety he braved the hail of enemy fire to silence it. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Ledzinski, 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.