The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Engineman First Class Robert J. Yered (CGSN: 320 644), United States Coast Guard, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Engineman First Class Yered distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the morning of 18 February 1968 as the safety advisor to the Unites States Army Terminal Cat Lai. The terminal was subjected to an intense enemy rocket, mortar and small arms attack. One of the rocket rounds struck a barge on which there were several hundred tons of mortar ammunition and immediately ignited a fire. The blazing barge threatened to destroy three other ammunition ships on which there were in excess of fifteen thousand tons of high explosives. Engineman Yered, without regard for his personal safety, exposed himself to the enemy fusillade as he helped extinguish the fire on the burning barge. His courageous act averted total destruction of the ammunition ship, and the United States Army Terminal. Engineman First Class Yered’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Coast Guard.