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 Specialist Fourth Class Jeffery B. Von Beltz, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C (Assault Helicopter), 101st Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter) (Ambulance), 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), in the Republic of Vietnam on 11 July 1970. Specialist Von Beltz distinguished himself while serving as door gunner aboard a UHY-1H lift helicopter during an insertion mission near Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. On the final approach to the landing zone, Specialist Von Beltz’s aircraft came under hostile fire. After the team was inserted, the mission was aborted due to the increasing enemy activity in the area and Specialist Von Beltz guided his pilot back into the landing zone to extract the besieged element. Coming under hostile fire, Specialist Von Beltz immediately engaged the enemy positions, and silenced one of them while the team was extracted on a rope ladder. After traveling a short distance from the landing zone, the helicopter landed under fire to enable the troops to board the aircraft. Subjecting himself to the hostile fire, Specialist Von Beltz aided the soldiers aboard while the crew chief delivered suppressive fire. He then aided in providing suppressive fire until the aircraft was out of the enemy’s range. Specialist Von Beltz’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.