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 Randolph Pickett, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Section Chief with Battery D (Machine Gun), 71st Artillery Regiment, II Field Force Artillery in action on 24 April 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Pickett was Section Chief of a Quad .50-caliber machine gun section attached to Battery B, 5th Battalion (Searchlight), 2d Artillery. As his unit was returning from a convoy escort mission in the vicinity of the Boi Loi Woods, the vehicle on which he was riding detonated an enemy land mine and overturned. All passengers on the vehicle were seriously injured. Staff Sergeant Pickett, in agonizing pain from his own injuries and unable to move the lower part of his body, quickly directed the establishment of a defensive position in the event of an enemy attack. Refusing first aid for himself, he offered comfort and reassurance to his injured comrades. Moments later, an unknown-size enemy force began delivering intense automatic weapons fire on the beleaguered unit. Staff Sergeant Pickett fearlessly directed return fire on the hostile force and, despite almost unbearable pain, dragged himself into a position which enabled him to deliver a heavy volume of fire on the insurgents. His efforts aided the squad to re-position its .50-caliber machine gun and direct intense suppressive fire on the Viet Cong, causing the enemy to break contact and withdraw. Staff Sergeant Pickett’s gallant actions prevented further casualties and the loss of valuable equipment. Staff Sergeant Pickett’s personal bravery and determination in the face of intense enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.