The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Otis Parker (ASN: RA-14668481), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 4 May 1965, while serving as advisor to a friendly force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Parker was with the lead elements of a friendly battalion on a search and clear operation when they were attacked by a Viet Cong battalion. With the friendly position subjected to heavy insurgent automatic, small arms and mortar fire, Staff Sergeant Parker repeatedly exposed himself to assist in directing effective friendly fire against the communists. After approximately forty-five minutes of intense fighting, the friendly company commander was wounded and his troops started a hasty withdrawal inadvertently leaving some of the injured behind. Observing this action, Sergeant Parker disregarding his personal safety, moved forward in full view of the enemy to carry the wounded company commander to a safe location. The friendly troops, seeing Staff Sergeant Parker’s outstanding example of personal heroism, rallied and resumed the engagement resulting in the defeat of the Viet Cong. Staff Sergeant Parker’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.