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 (Field Artillery) Robet O. Ehlers, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Ehlers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 August 1968, while serving as a Pilot of a UH-1H helicopter of Troop B, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy during a combat mission in the Ashau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. When another helicopter was downed by intense hostile fire, First Lieutenant Ehlers exposed himself to the enemy fire as he flew at a low altitude and placed accurate suppressive fire on the enemy positions enabling a rescue helicopter to land and extract the downed crew. While making his final pass over the enemy positions his helicopter was hit in the side by a large explosive round. Although wounded, First Lieutenant Ehlers successfully landed the crippled aircraft without further injury to personnel aboard. After landing he assisted one of the seriously injured crewmembers from the burning wreckage. First Lieutenant Ehler’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.