(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Private First Class Raymond F. Zale, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Zale distinguished himself by exceptionally gallant actions on 2 December 1970, while serving with Company C, 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate), as a member of an element searching for a Vietnamese political prisoner of war camp in the southern Nui Mieu mountains. On that date, the element discovered a cave complex containing the camp and began a systematic search. Almost immediately after the first elements had moved into the cave, two men were wounded by enemy gunfire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private First Class Zale moved inside the cave to aid his fallen comrades. Once inside the cave, Private First Class Zale put down a heavy volume of suppressive fire so that medical aidmen could attempt to reach and aid the wounded men. Despite enemy backfire at him from a concealed position, he continued to shout words of encouragement to other members of the company. His valorous efforts in the face of the enemy helped disrupt the enemy’s mission and indirectly saved the lives of many comrades. By his action, he imparted a sense of urgency, purpose, and determination to the men that subsequently played a key role in the success of the mission. Private First Class Zale’s heroism and concern for his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army..