The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Karl Robert Rohde, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Rohde distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 25 August 1969 while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, Americal Division. On that date, the company was conducting search and clear operations in the mountainous region of Hiep Duc Province when a squad size combat patrol was dispatched to sweep a suspected enemy occupied area. As the small element attempted to cross an open area, it came under intense hostile fire from a heavily armed North Vietnamese Army force. In the initial exchange of fire, the squad sustained three casualties who fell in exposed areas. Realizing the extreme urgency of the situation, Private Rohde assaulted one of the hostile emplacements, silencing the position with several well thrown hand grenades. He then began maneuvering against the second North Vietnamese Army fortification, again destroying the bunker with hand grenades. His courageous and timely actions were highly instrumental in thwarting the enemy attack and enabled his wounded comrades to be evacuated with minimal delay. Private First Class Rohde’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty 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.