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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Bernard Francis Kistler (ASN: 0-104832), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on 8 November 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Lieutenant Kistler was serving as a platoon leader in his company. The unit was participating in Operation Attleboro, near the Cambodian border when it was suddenly and violently attacked by two main force Viet Cong regiments armed with automatic weapons, small arms and mortars. Lieutenant Kistler was informed earlier of hostile activity to the front of his position by his men at the outposts and had alerted his platoon as well as the company commander to the imminent attack. When the firing began, Lieutenant Kistler immediately advanced in an attempt to reach a commanding position where he could best control the fire of his men. It was during this daring movement, that Lieutenant Kistler was mortally wounded. His unwavering dedication to mission and fearless conduct under fire distinguish him as a combat leader of the highest caliber. First Lieutenant Kistler’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army.