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 Sergeant Angel Pilago (ASN: US-50013169), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 7 September 1968 through 8 September 1968. Sergeant Pilago distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, on a combat operation in the vicinity of Sa Nho, Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Pilago suddenly found himself in command of a platoon when his platoon leader and platoon sergeant were killed during a heliborne assault on a hostile landing zone. Sergeant Pilago, disregarding his own safety, raced along the dikes shouting orders to consolidate his men and to direct their fields of fire. Throughout the night, Sergeant Pilago moved from position to position, encouraging his men. On several different occasions, Sergeant Pilago crawled through open areas in order to pull the casualties to relative safety. His bravery and 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.