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 Private First Class Douglas Jason Warden (ASN: US-54661773), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Warden distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 May 1967, while serving as a radio-telephone operator with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during combat operations near the village of An Qui, Republic of Vietnam. When his company came into contact with a well-entrenched, numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force, one platoon was immediately pinned down and the others were engaged in an intense fire fight. Throughout the engagement, Private First Class Warden braved the intense enemy automatic weapons fire to remain with his platoon leader, despite the fact that the radio on his back made him a good target for the enemy gunners. At times, when his platoon was pinned down and surrounded on all sides, Private First Class Warden stood up and charged several bunkers with the platoon leader. Individually, he attacked several emplacements and destroyed them with hand grenades. Although new to combat, he continued to provide covering fire and excellent communications for his platoon leader, killing two or more North Vietnamese Army soldiers from his exposed positions. Private First Class Warden’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.