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 Specialist Fourth Class Vincent R. Giovannelli (ASN: US-52852773), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company C, 716th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Group, 18th Military Police Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Giovannelli distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 while serving with a military police alert force during a combined Viet Cong and North Vietnamese offensive against Saigon. The enemy had launched concerted attacks throughout the city, and his unit was called to assist friendly forces engaged in a firefight near the Phu Tho race track. While en route to the location, the alert force was savagely ambushed by insurgents firing claymore mines, rockets and automatic weapons. Specialist Giovannelli leaped from his vehicle and immediately returned fire on the enemy. Observing several wounded comrades in the ambush killing zone fifty meters to his front, he moved forward through a withering hail of bullets to aid them. This action drew the enemy fire toward him and enabled the casualties to seek cover behind their burning vehicle. When he reached their position, Specialist Giovannelli laid down a fierce base of fire on the insurgents and assisted in moving the wounded to a secure area. His fearless and determined efforts in the face of grave danger saved the lives of several fellow soldiers. Specialist Fourth Class Giovannelli’s 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.