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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Allan P. Benglen (ASN: 0-5428380), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Benglen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 25 February 1969, while serving as a forward observer for Company A, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a search and destroy mission. When the forward elements of Company A came under intense hostile fire, First Lieutenant Benglen quickly joined the elements n contact. As he came under fire from an enemy machine gun emplacement, First Lieutenant Benglen assaulted the emplacement and destroyed it. Joining a radio telephone operator they crawled up to a squad that was receiving intense automatic and small arms fire and assisted in providing suppressive fire on the enemy positions. When the helicopters arrived on station First Lieutenant Benglen exposed himself to the withering fire by standing in an open area to guide the fire power of the Aerial Rocket Artillery helicopters on to the enemy’s positions. First Lieutenant Benglen’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.