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 Specialist Fourth Class Arnold Rex Bray (ASN: 54455328), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 April 1969. Specialist Fourth Class Bray’s regiment was conducting a reconnaissance in force mission in Binh Duong Province when the point element which was the third platoon, came under intense automatic weapons, small arms, and B-40 rockets. The terrain was flat with dense vegetation. In the initial attack on the Third Platoon, several men were instantly wounded and some very seriously. Fighting back gallantly the ambushed platoon maintained enough fire power to prevent the attackers from completely overrunning them. Specialist Fourth Class Bray, a rifleman, was instrumental in the platoon’s refusing to be overrun. Although wounded in the initial attack he continued to fire into the enemy positions. When other men were wounded he exposed him self to the deadly fire and treated the men and pulled them back to the center of the small perimeter that they had set up to make them as comfortable as possible and to protect them from the enemy fire. Terribly weak, he refused medical treatment and continued to place suppressive fire on the enemy. When the acting platoon leader was struck down he took over the responsibility of running the platoon, directing the suppressive fire of his men and positioning them in the best fighting positions. For hours the battle raged on but Specialist Fourth Class Bray’s aggressive actions and bravery prevented the enemy from overtaking the badly mauled platoon. Specialist Fourth Class Bray, although weak and badly in need of medical treatment refused aid until a relief force arrived and withdrew them from the contact area. Specialist Fourth Class Bray’s wounds were of such an extent that he later succumbed to his wounds. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Specialist Fourth Class Bray, 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.