The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Victor A. Canales, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Canales distinguished himself on 25 February 1971, while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Battery A, 1st Battalion (Automatic Weapons) (Self Propelled), 44th Artillery Regiment, 108th Artillery Group. While performing in Operation DEWEY CANYON II, Staff Sergeant Canales was resupplying his forward automatic weapons position near the Laotian-Vietnamese Border. During the resupply mission, an enemy artillery round exploded near Staff Sergeant Canales’ vehicle, killing one man and wounding three others on the vehicle. With enemy artillery still exploding, Staff Sergeant Canales reacted immediately and helped the wounded men out of the vehicle and into a concealed area. Disregarding his own personal safety, Staff Sergeant Canales exposed himself to direct enemy artillery fire by standing in the middle of Highway 9 in order to draw the attention of a nearby helicopter. After directing the helicopter onto the ground, Staff Sergeant Canales returned to the wounded men and helped two of them into the helicopter. Again exposing himself to artillery fire, Staff Sergeant Canales was able to direct another helicopter onto the ground in order to evacuate the third injured man. Staff Sergeant Canales remained with the damaged vehicle and deceased man until help arrived. Staff Sergeant Canales’ courage and selfless concern for the welfare of his men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.