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) Robert D. Parrish (ASN: OF-107329), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 February 1968 while serving as an advisor, 5th Reconnaissance Company, 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Lieutenant Parrish was accompanying the reconnaissance company on a reaction force mission of locating and destroying a North Vietnamese Army unit which had overrun a friendly outpost near the Village of Phu Hoa Dong in Binh Duong Province. As the company advanced, it came under intensive enemy fire. Lieutenant Parrish directed helicopter gunship fire upon the enemy positions, and disregarding his own safety encouraged the Vietnamese soldiers by his example to advance and close with the enemy. He continued to set the example, moving at the front, firing his weapon, directing fire and inspiring and encouraging the troops by his personal courage. When the attack faltered, Lieutenant Parrish again seized the initiative and personally led the attack. It was at this time that he was painfully wounded in the neck by fragments of an exploding rocket round. Despite being wounded, he refused to be evacuated from the battlefield. As the firefight continued into the hours of darkness, he called in air strikes and artillery fire, eliminating the remaining enemy forces. First Lieutenant Parrish’s conspicuous gallantry in actions was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.