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 First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant) Ray Frank Long (ASN: 0-12940615), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 November 1969. On this date, Lieutenant Long was serving as a Platoon Leader with his unit on a ground reconnaissance operation approximately 8 miles northeast of Dau Tieng. While the friendly element maneuvered through the treacherous region, it discovered an enemy bunker complex. As the unit was investigating a suspected enemy cache, it was suddenly subjected to an intense small arms, automatic weapons and claymore mine fusillade from an undetermined size insurgent unit. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Long moved among his men and directed their devastating suppressive fire on the aggressor emplacements. Continuing to ignore the hostile fire raking the area, Lieutenant Long moved from position to position as he threw hand grenades at the insurgents and assigned fire lanes for his comrades. Observing his radio-telephone operator severely wounded and lying in an exposed area, Lieutenant Long again disregarded his personal safety as he moved to assist his fallen comrade. Just before he reached his fellow soldier, Lieutenant Long was mortally wounded. His courageous initiative and exemplary professionalism distinguished Lieutenant Long as a soldier of the highest caliber. Second Lieutenant Long’s unquestionable valor in close combat against a hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.