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 Lonnie Lowell Gibson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Gibson distinguished himself while serving as a Long Range Patrol Member with 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. On 28 September 1969, Private First Class Gibson’s Long Range Patrol was inserted into enemy occupied territory where they observed enemy movement and construction of bunkers in the area. Disregarding his personal safety, Private First Class Gibson aided in calling artillery strikes on the area before advancing. Maneuvering into the impact area, the team was immediately taken under fire by an enemy force. Private First Class Gibson repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he placed suppressive fire upon the enemy. Moving to a night location, the team realized they were completely surrounded. When Private First Class Gibson moved outside the perimeter to engage the aggressors, he was mortally wounded in the exchange of fire. Private First Class Gibson’s exceptional courage, determination, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.