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 Wade Hampton Gans, Jr. (ASN: US-52810671), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Gans distinguished himself while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company C, 1st Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 2 February 1968, as North Vietnamese forces were attempting to maintain an offensive, Specialist Gans’ company acted as a relief force to destroy enemy resistance in the City of Kontum. Despite intense enemy small arms fire, Specialist Gans voluntarily assaulted many insurgent positions, neutralizing most of them with hand grenades and automatic weapons fire. Although wounded during the engagement, he continued to direct suppressive fire against the enemy and encourage his men. His exceptional skill and brave acts were an inspiration to the men of his company and saved many of their lives. As a result of his aggressiveness and determination, the enemy suffered losses in both men and equipment. Specialist Fourth Class Gan’s gallantry, fortitude and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.