The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thuong Van Dong (59120723), Army of the Republic of Vietnam, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Vietnam in January 1965. As an Assistant to a United States Assistant Battalion Advisor, Private Dong was engaged in a battalion-sized search and destroy operation in the An Lao Valley when the lead element was subjected to heavy hostile gunfire as it crossed an open, sandy, river beach. When the Battalion Advisor was severely wounded, Private Dong raced to his side and, using his own body and pack, placed himself in front of the wounded American advisor, directly in the line of fire. Although the insurgents’ gunfire continued, he remained in this position for one hour, shielding his wounded counterpart and alternating between administering first aid to the injured officer and attempting to suppress the hostile action by using his own weapon. He then again exposed himself to the intense gunfire by assisting the wounded American to the evacuation helicopter. Through his indomitable courage, fortitude, and willingness to protect a fallen comrade at the risk of his own safety, he prevented further possible injury to the wounded United States advisor. Private Dong’s conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country.