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 Specialist Fourth Class Robert Jay Brinkman (ASN: US-56566197), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force 13 April 1969 while serving with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, when the troop came under a deluge of small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a well-fortified enemy force, the mounted elements quickly assaulted and overran the hostile positions. However, as the armored vehicles passed through the enemy area, the friendly infantry troops following them came under fire. Upon seeing the threat to his comrades, Specialist Brinkman opened fire with his machine gun to suppress the hostile fire. After the vehicles had begun to turn around to assault the active enemy positions, he dismounted his vehicle to aid a wounded infantryman exposed to enemy fire. As he was running toward the casualty, Specialist Brinkman was taken under fire by two hostile soldiers with automatic rifles. Though armed only with a pistol, he assaulted and killed both of the enemy. When he reached his wounded comrade, Specialist Brinkman quickly moved him to a safe area. As he was standing to call for a medic, Specialist Brinkman was hit and mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. Specialist Fourth Class Brinkman’s outstanding courage, unwavering devotion to duty and selfless concern for the welfare of his comrade were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.