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 Ronald Harold Luke (ASN: RA-14885072), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Luke distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 November 1965 while serving as platoon radio operator during a search and clear operation approximately ten miles west of Plei Me, Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1330 hours, his platoon was fired upon from well concealed Viet Cong rifle and automatic weapons positions. Initial contact with the insurgent forces resulted in several wounded American soldiers. The platoon sergeant began to evacuate the wounded men, but his movement attracted the insurgents’ attention. As the hostile force concentrated their fire on the platoon sergeant, Private First Class Luke, recognizing their intentions, exposed himself to the Viet Cong in an attempt to draw the intense fire away from his platoon sergeant. Although his radio was hit eleven times, Private Luke, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, continued to deliberately draw fire to himself while his platoon sergeant moved two wounded soldiers to safety. As the third wounded American was being moved, Private Luke was mortally wounded. Through his courage, initiative, and dd, he not only aided his platoon sergeant to bring in three wounded soldiers, but set the example for the rest of his platoon who evacuated twelve more wounded comrades. Private First Class Luke’s unimpeachable valor in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.