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 Dennis K. Driessen, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 13 April 1969 while serving as a Medical Aidman with the Aero Rifle Platoon, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while the platoon and several armored units were advancing on an enemy base camp, they came under intense hostile fire from a number of well-concealed hostile fortifications and immediately suffered several casualties. Specialist Driessen, disregarding the enemy fusillade, dashed from one wounded soldier to another to ensure that all received medical aid. Being fired upon by a well-concealed enemy sniper, he single-handedly assaulted the position and silenced it with hand grenades thus protecting the wounded. When he had returned to continue treating the wounded, he began receiving heavy fire from another hostile emplacement. Although he had been wounded by enemy small arms fire, Specialist Driessen, in defense of the friendly casualties, assaulted the hostile position and destroyed it with hand grenades. He then returned to his wounded comrades and began personally carrying them to an evacuation point. When all of the casualties were safe, he rejoined the assaulting friendly elements and gave them assistance and encouragement until all of the enemy fortifications had been overrun and destroyed. Specialist Fourth Class Driessen’s outstanding courage, unwavering devotion to duty, and deep concern for his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.