The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal [the Private First Class] Jerry Lee O’Neal (ASN: US-54981872), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam. Corporal O’Neal distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 January 1969, while serving as a rifleman with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade. On that day, Company C was participating in a search and destroy operation in the An Lao Region, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. As the 2d Platoon was clearing a trail, they received automatic weapons fire from an enemy bunker to their left front, at a distance of approximately fifty meters. As the platoon dispersed, the lead squad moved out to maneuver against the enemy bunker. Corporal O’Neal began to crawl upon the bunker while his comrades covered him. As he approached to within twenty meters of the bunker, he was wounded in the left shoulder but continued on despite the danger to his own life. Despite a hail of bullets, Corporal O’Neal was finally able to get within ten meters of the enemy bunker and was preparing to throw a hand grenade when he was again hit and fell mortally wounded. By his valiant efforts and disregard for his own life, Corporal O’Neal was able to gain precious time for the rest of his squad to get into positions and ultimately destroy the enemy force. Corporal O’Neal’s aggressive actions and extraordinary heroism in close combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.