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 Private First Class Lionel Gutierrez (ASN: RA-18748382), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, in action on 18 May 1967 near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. While on a search and destroy mission, Private First Class Gutierrez’s platoon was suddenly taken under a tremendous volume of enemy automatic weapons fire. In the initial stages of the fire fight numerous casualties were inflicted. When another person moved into the area to assist they too were brought under intense fire and pinned down. Private Gutierrez moved through the vicious enemy fire with complete disregard for his own safety to an exposed position where he could best give the pinned-down platoon covering fire. Seeing that a wounded man lay in an area exposed to hostile fire, Private Gutierrez rushed forward to aid the wounded soldier. Placing himself between the wounded man and the enemy positions Private Gutierrez began to administer much-needed first aid. While giving the wounded man aid, Private Gutierrez began receiving heavy automatic fire. Unable to locate the enemy soldier’s exact position, Private Gutierrez deliberately exposed himself to draw the enemy fire so that he might pinpoint the position. Private Gutierrez continued to expose himself until he located the enemy positions and then succeeded in killing the enemy soldier. Private First Class Gutierrez’s unquestionably valorous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.