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 to Private First Class Steven W. Sears (ASN: US-54807781), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Sears distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 while serving with a Military Police reaction force of Company C, 716th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Group, 18th Military Police Brigade, during a Viet Cong offensive against Saigon. His unit was called to repel an enemy assault on an officers’ billet and immediately proceeded to the area. While moving through an alley at the rear of the quarters, the lead truck of the alert force was savagely ambushed by an insurgent force firing anti-personnel claymore mines, rockets and automatic weapons. The vehicle’s passengers were either killed or wounded, and Private Sears unhesitatingly volunteered to join a rescue team attempting to extract the wounded who remained trapped by the incessant deadly barrage. Braving a withering hail of bullets, he advanced down the alley toward Viet Cong positions, firing his rifle as he maneuvered. Devastating automatic weapons fire erupted from a building on his left flank, and Private Sears assaulted the enemy position despite bullets striking all around him. As the rescue team entered the building, an enemy rocket exploded against it and several members were wounded. Realizing the original objective was now impossible to accomplish, he exposed himself to a curtain of fire and assisted the new casualties to safety. Private First Class Sears’ gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.