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 Specialist Fourth Class Timothy B. Keenan (ASN: US-54965159), 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 Keenan distinguished himself while serving as a Radio-Telephone Operator with Company A, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 27 February 1968, Companies A and B were in a defensive perimeter west of Dak To when a battalion of North Vietnamese Regulars launched a massive ground assault against them. When the platoon leader was wounded in the initial moments of the battle, Specialist Keenan immediately assumed control of the platoon and began positioning and directing the fire of his men. He then began calling in artillery and air strikes. Constantly exposed to flying shrapnel and enemy fire, he moved along the perimeter to re-supply and encourage his men. When the first assault was halted, he promptly treat ed wounded men while preparing for another attack. Through his courage and leadership, he was primarily responsible for maintaining the integrity of his platoon’s section of the perimeter. Specialist Fourth Class Keenan’s initiative, outstanding performance 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.