The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Francis Daniel Kay (NSN: 0-641672), United States Navy, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 28 June 1967, while serving as an Advisor to the 28th river Assault Group on the Saigon River, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. On this date the 28th River Assault Group was providing security and troop transport for the 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment. At approximately 1040 hours, after the United States Infantry had disembarked and the boats were continuing their security mission, the boats were subjected to an intense volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire and rifle grenades, wounding Lieutenant Kay in the initial outburst. After quickly assessing the damage to his craft, Lieutenant Kay directed his craft and another to turn into the intense fire and make an assault landing into the Viet Cong positions. Lieutenant Kay then disembarked and led the crews of the two craft in a group assault, killing one Viet Cong, routing and forcing the remainder to withdraw. Lieutenant Kay’s gallant actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navy and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.