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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) John D. Unangst (ASN: 0-548364), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Unangst distinguished himself by heroic actions on 17 December 1968, while serving as Forward Observer with Company B, 2d Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat operation, Company B was ordered to aid a beleaguered convoy. As Company B neared the combat area they came under a massive communist rocket propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire. Fearlessly, Lieutenant Unangst exposed himself to a heavy volume of fire as he directed artillery fire on the insurgents’ position. Twice, Lieutenant Unangst was knocked from his vehicle by rocket propelled grenade rounds. Each time, Lieutenant Unangst re-mounted his vehicle and pointed out targets of opportunity. Spotting a wounded comrade lying in the enemy kill zone, Lieutenant Unangst dauntlessly moved through the bullet swept area and evacuated the fallen soldier to safety. His valorous actions were responsible for the saving of a life and contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the hostile force. Lieutenant Unangst’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.