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 Specialist Fourth Class Sergio Benavidez, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Benavidez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 June 1970 while serving as Armored Vehicle Commander with Troop K, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Benavidez’s vehicle was escorting a unit of engineers when they suddenly received heavy rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. Realizing his vehicle was in the middle of the fire zone, Specialist Benavidez began laying down an intensive barrage of machine gun fire. The column, by this time, had taken heavy casualties and he realized that his was the only vehicle capable of returning fire. Maneuvering his vehicle he first fired to suppress the enemy positions on one side of the road, then pivoted to suppress the fire from the opposite direction. During this entire period his vehicle was the target of heavy enemy fire and he himself was continually exposed to enemy fire. His actions resulted in the saving of more than twenty lives and five vehicles. Specialist Fourth Class Benavidez’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.