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 Private First Class John Gilbert Larson (ASN: RA-19843852), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Larson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 17 December 1966, while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during an air assault operation in the Republic of Vietnam. Moments after being air assaulted into an area of suspected enemy activity, Private First Class Larson’s company came under heavy fire from well entrenched enemy positions concealed in hedgerows less than forty meters ahead and sustained several casualties. Several key men, including the company commander, a platoon leader and one of the platoon Medical Aidmen, were wounded in the fierce point-blank fire fight. Private First Class Larson immediately rushed forward through the withering fire and began treating the more seriously wounded men in his platoon. Despite pleas by his platoon sergeant to wait until the firing subsided, Private First Class Larson made numerous trips forward to treat and help evacuate the wounded. After he had treated the more seriously wounded in his own platoon, Private First Class Larson moved to the platoon where the Aidman had been wounded, and began treating the casualties in that unit. As the wounded continued to mount, Private First Class Larson moved back and forth between the two units, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire. When a close friend was felled by the hostile fire, Private First Class Larson raced forward still another time and shielded the man with his own body while working feverishly to revive him. Private First Class Larson was critically wounded while attempting to save his friend’s life. Private First Class Larson’s courageous action stands in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.