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) Raymond E. McMaken (ASN: 0-5326282), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 2 February 1968 while serving with Advisory Team 4, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. On that date a determined, reinforced North Vietnamese Army regiment attacked Cam Lo District Headquarters with a heavy barrage of enemy mortar, recoilless rifle, rocket, and automatic weapons fire. When one third of the defenders including the Senior District Advisor became casualties, Captain McMaken dashed to the alternate command bunker to establish communications with higher headquarters and requested a flare ship. He then returned to the command bunker and, finding the Senior District Advisor mortally wounded, took command of the compound and led the defense against a sustained, five-hour enemy attack. Realizing that close artillery support was the key to the compound’s defense, he left his position to adjust artillery fire to within 20 meters of the inner perimeter. Although suffering from multiple wounds, Captain McMaken moved throughout the compound to direct defenses. He personally manned a grenade launcher and machine gun to stop the enemy from penetrating the defensive perimeter. By his aggressive leadership and courageous actions, Captain McMaken successfully directed the defense of the headquarters and eliminated a potential disaster while inflicting heavy casualties on a numerically superior enemy force. Captain McMaken’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military forces.