The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Private First Class Ricky C. Soice (ASN: RA-16900570), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Soice distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 May 1968 while serving as a rifleman in Company A, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment. On that date, his company was conducting a combat operation in the Quang Tri Province when they came upon a small village. As they approached this village, they suddenly came under intense automatic weapons, artillery, mortar, and small arms fire from an enemy force of undetermined size located in well-concealed bunkers. Immediately, Private Soice moved into a defensive position and helped set up a devastating base of fire to enable the rest of his company to reach cover. Although several of his comrades fell wounded, Private Soice continually exposed himself to the hostile fire in order to secure a pickup zone for dust-off helicopters. Private First Class Soice’s personal bravery and unselfish concern for his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.