The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Specialist Fourth Class Ramiro Chavez (ASN: US-54719973), United States Army, for heroism in connection with ground operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 February 1968 while assigned to Company D, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. On that date, Specialist Chavez was participating in a search and destroy operation on the southern outskirts of Saigon when his platoon became heavily engaged with a Viet Cong force. During the initial encounter, two soldiers were wounded and lay in an exposed position under enemy fire. Disregarding his own safety, Specialist Chavez unhesitatingly rushed forward one hundred meters through intense hostile fire to rescue his two wounded comrades. After administering first aid, he then carried one of the wounded to the relative safety of the rear despite the fact that his actions attracted increased enemy fire. Specialist Chavez returned to the other wounded soldier, braving heavy enemy fire as he moved forward and carried him to a secure position. By his courageous actions and selfless concern for his comrades, the lives of two wounded men were saved and his company was inspired to greater efforts in defeating the determined enemy force. Specialist Four Chavez’s valorous actions and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 199th Light Infantry Brigade and the United States Army.