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 Specialist Fourth Class Phillip Harry Fleming (ASN: RA-[12980046), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Fleming distinguished himself while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 24 March 1969, Specialist Fleming’s unit was approaching an enemy position when they came under heavy fire from an entrenched enemy force and suffered several casualties. A supporting unit also met the same resistance and was immediately pinned down. With unwavering regard for his wounded comrades, Specialist Fleming advanced toward the ambush and threw smoke grenades to mark the positions of the friendly wounded for an air strike. Seeing the opportunity of destroying an element of the hostile force himself, Specialist Fleming charged the enemy position under the cover of an expended smoke grenade. The cover of smoke was not enough, and he was mortally wounded by machinegun fire. Specialist Fourth Class Fleming’s exceptional courage, determination, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.