The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Candelario Garcia (ASN: RA-54341906), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 August 1968. On this date, Specialist Garcia was serving as a team leader with his company which was accompanying an armored unit on a reconnaissance in force operation in the vicinity of Loc Ninh. As the friendly force proceeded through the treacherous terrain, it was suddenly subjected to intense North Vietnamese rocket propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire from a system of trenches to its front. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Garcia crawled through the hail of hostile rounds, across an open area, toward the entrenchments. Observing an enemy soldier about to throw a hand grenade, Specialist Garcia ran forward and killed the insurgent with devastating fire from his automatic rifle. He then was moving through the aggressors’ trench when he was pinned down by a barrage from a North Vietnamese bunker. Ignoring his perilous situation, Specialist Garcia threw several hand grenades which damaged the emplacement. He then assaulted the position, killing the occupants with suppressive fire from his weapon. His exemplary courage, heroic determination, and outstanding professionalism were instrumental in killing several aggressors, and significantly contributed to the defeat of the North Vietnamese force. Specialist Fourth Class Garcia’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces 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.