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 Tony Palacios (ASN: 18865745), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 3 April 1969. Specialist Fourth Class Palacios distinguished himself while serving as rifleman in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry, during a reconnaissance in force operation in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Placios volunteered to walk in the lead position. While negotiating a particularly dense area of thick brush, he spotted several enemy soldiers crouching on the jungle floor just ahead of his advancing platoon. He then passed a hand warning to his platoon, alerting it of the impending danger, and then proceeded to steal the initiative from the enemy. He assaulted into the enemy position, personally killing two North Vietnamese and forcing the others to retreat. Late in the afternoon, heavy rainfall accompanied by a thick fog reduced visibility to near zero, and the platoon was subjected to sniper fire. Specialist Palacios, from his lead position, was first to spot the source of fire. He directed his M-16 rifle fire into a clump of thickly foliaged trees to his right flank, and the sniper fire stopped. He found a blood trail and an abandoned AK-47 rifle. He personally accounted for at least three enemy casualties and one captured weapon. Specialist Placios’ personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.