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) Herbert Lichtenberger (ASN: 0-5424210), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 March 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Lieutenant Lichtenberger was serving as an artillery forward observer for an infantry battalion on a reconnaissance in force operation south of Thu Duc. The company with which he was traveling had pursued an insurgent force to the edge of a wooded area. Suddenly they were subjected to intense automatic weapons and machinegun fire from heavily fortified enemy positions. The company began a temporary withdrawal in order to allow artillery and gunships to soften the enemy fortifications. Lieutenant Lichtenberger remained with the command group in a forward position until the last friendly element has cleared the area, and then began directing artillery fire onto the enemy with devastating accuracy. The command element suddenly received hostile fire on their exposed flank. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Lichtenberger stood up and began moving toward the insurgent position, firing as he advanced. The Viet Cong, who had been firing on the command group, raised himself and Lieutenant Lichtenberger quickly killed him with an accurate burst of fire. His bold determination and courageous action undoubtedly saved the lives of several men in the command group. First Lieutenant Lichtenberger’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.