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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert Willard Tewksbury (ASN: RA-11482375), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Tweksbury distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 7 December 1967, while serving as a rifleman with Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during a combat mission near Dai Dong, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit came under intense hostile fire and all the crewmembers of an armored personnel carrier were wounded, Private First Class Tweksbury exposed himself to the enemy fire as he mounted the vehicle in an attempt to give covering fire for his wounded comrades. While placing effective suppressive fire on the enemy positions, Private First Class Tewksbury was mortally wounded. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.