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 Specialist Fourth Class Ronald B. Piper (ASN: RA-19775626), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 27 May 1966. On this date, Specialist Piper was a member of the reconnaissance platoon conducting a search and destroy mission south of Phuoc Vinh. At approximately 1200 hours, the platoon was taken under heavy automatic and small arms fire by an entrenched Viet Cong squad. Specialist Piper, the point man of the maneuvering squad, exposed himself to the intense hostile fire, ran forward and threw a grenade into the Viet Cong position. Immediately after the explosion, again acting on his own initiative and with total disregard for his personal safety, he charged the position, firing as he ran and completely routed the Viet Cong from their positions. Specialist Fourth Class Piper’s unquestionable valor in close combat against superior hostile forces was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Soldier’s Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Specialist Fourth ClassBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
28th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 27, 1966
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 1136 (July 6, 1966) -
Soldier’s Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Specialist Fourth ClassBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
28th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 22, 1966
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2805 (October 29, 1966)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Specialist Fourth Class Ronald B. Piper (ASN: RA-19775626), United States Army, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 22 September 1966. On that date, Specialist Piper was performing his duties in the Phuoc Vinh base camp when an explosion suddenly occurred in a minefield adjacent to his company perimeter seriously injuring three persons who were laying concertina wire. When personnel arrived to administer aid, a second explosion occurred, killing seven men and seriously wounding fourteen others. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, Specialist Piper heroically entered the mined area and aided in the evacuation of his wounded comrades. Knowing full well that other mines were in the area, he made repeated trips into the minefield and succeeded in carrying out all the wounded and dead. His heroic actions resulted in the rapid evacuation of many critically injured soldiers whose lives depended upon immediate medical attention. Specialist Fourth Class Piper’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.