The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General Nguyen Vinh Nghi, Army of the Republic of Vietnam,, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an opposing hostile force on 31 July 1969 while serving as Commanding General, 21st Infantry Division (RVN). General Nghi, after being informed that his 31st Regiment had made battle contact with two battalions of the 3d North Vietnamese Regiment at Rach Gia, immediately preceded there to personally direct the operation. Arriving in the area by Command and Control helicopter, he immediately directed the helicopter pilot to fly at treetop level so that he could pinpoint enemy targets and troop positions. At approximately 1700 hours, the 31st Regiment succeeded in blocking the North Vietnamese force on three sides. However, the enemy force, realizing this, began moving to the open section of the perimeter. Recognizing the importance of keeping the enemy under complete observation, he directed the pilot to make several low-level flights over the enemy positions to draw hostile fire and contain the enemy and he personally directed the additional friendly forces which were being landed by boat. This action closed the gap and encircled the enemy. General Nghi, still making low-level flights during the early hours of darkness, continued to pinpoint enemy positions and directed that the ground troops conduct limited night attack to ensure the enemy would not escape. His valiant example of personal courage and gallantry in face of intense enemy automatic and small arms fire so inspired the friendly forces that they pressed the attack so vigorously that the battle resulted in 77 North Vietnamese soldiers killed and three captured. General Nghi’s conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam.