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 Staff Sergeant Martin Irving Arbeit, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Command and Control Detachment North, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Arbeit distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions as squad leader of a reconnaissance platoon operating deep within enemy controlled territory. Sergeant Arbeit’s platoon was reconnoitering the area surround a deserted Vietnamese village when one squad encountered hostile fire while filling their canteens at a nearby stream. Observing that the squad was pinned down by the enemy fire, the sergeant grabbed a grenade launcher and darted forward to the point of heaviest contact. Although exposing himself to the hail of bullets, Sergeant Arbeit began firing his grenade launcher at the hostile positions, repelling the belligerent’s attack. On 24 November, Sergeant Arbeit and his comrades moved through the dense jungle underbrush in search of enemy activity. Suddenly, a barrage of automatic weapons fire engulfed the forward element of the friendly troops. Shortly thereafter, the adversary broke contact and Sergeant Arbeit led a small patrol in pursuit of the fleeing foe. Moments later, his patrol was ambushed. As Sergeant Arbeit commanded his teammates to seek cover, the sergeant was mortally wounded by hostile fire. Staff Sergeant Arbeit’s gallantry in action, at the cost of his live, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.