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 Private First Class Rothie Brackins, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 august 1969 while serving as a Rifleman with the Aero Rifle Platoon of the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date he volunteered to participate in a mission to capture several enemy soldiers spotted in an area west of An Loc. After being inserted by a light observation helicopter, Private First Class Brackins helped secure the landing zone so that another helicopter could bring in more troops. While moving through dense jungle, the friendly element came upon two disoriented enemy soldiers. Private First Class Brackins assisted in securing and interrogating the prisoners. Information gathered from the two soldiers included the size of the hostile force operating in the area and the location of four more enemy troops who were later taken prisoners. Upon learning that aerial observers had spotted a large enemy force approaching, the friendly element returned to the landing zone. While the first helicopter lifted off, Private First Class Brackins provided security. Private First Class Brackins’ courage, resourcefulness and 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.