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 Fifth Class Chester Marshall Hendrickson (ASN: US-51778189), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Hendrickson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 17 September 1969, while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company D, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a ground reconnaissance mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. When contact was established with an estimated platoon of enemy soldiers, several men were seriously wounded and needed medical attention immediately. Specialist Fifth Class Hendrickson moved forward into the contact area through heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire until reaching the wounded Skytroopers. He worked feverishly on the most seriously wounded men fire, then moved to others, bandaging their wounds, and giving encouragement along the way. With total disregard for his own safety, Specialist Fifth Class Hendrickson prepared the wounded for final evacuation, then he led the company commander and forward observer into the contact area, pointing out the enemy positions while still under heavy enemy fire. This action enabled the forward observer to place effective indirect fire on the enemy resulting in two enemy killed and many more wounded. Specialist Fifth Class Hendrickson’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.