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 Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Arthur L. Henderson (ASN: 0-90053), United States Army, for gallantry in action performed against a hostile force in the vicinity of An Diem, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 and 24 August 1963. Captain Henderson was the Senior United States Advisor accompanying a civil irregular defense group platoon on a patrol in a Viet Cong-controlled area. The patrol was attacked by the Viet Cong, and despite painful wounds suffered earlier in the day, he refused to seek shelter and, remaining in an exposed position, called for an air strike to support a defensive action. Constantly vulnerable to Viet Cong observation and action, he coordinated and directed crippling fire on a hostile force. As the patrol was evacuated, Captain Henderson, even though suffering from painful burns, refused to leave until the last helicopter was ready to depart. The gallantry and bravery of Captain Henderson reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.