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 First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) George Albert Ruzicka (ASN: 0-5257656), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company C, 168th Engineer Battalion, 79th Engineer Group. First Lieutenant Ruzicka distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 18 to 24 August 1968, as a Platoon Leader at Loc Ninh District Headquarters. On 18 August the compound came under a massive ground and mortar attack by an estimated Viet Cong battalion, with the brunt of the assault directed against the area manned by Lieutenant Ruzicka’s platoon. With total disregard for his own life, he exposed himself to intense enemy fire to aid and organize his men and under his expert leadership, his platoon blunted and repelled the attack at its strongest point. During the siege which followed, he repeatedly ventured from the camp in the face of small arms and mortar fire to perform emergency demolition and ordnance missions. When a serious water shortage developed, he led a party to the water point to secure a re-supply and, after twice being forced to withdraw by the communists’ barrage, obtained the re-supply on the third attempt. The successful defense of the camp against seemingly insurmountable odds was primarily the result of his intrepidity and skillful leadership. First Lieutenant Ruzicka’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.