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 Gareth G. Burgmann (ASN: RA-18952878), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 27 November 1968, while serving as an armored cavalry assault vehicle commander with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Troop C and Troop B, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 12th Cavalry, were assigned to search through the village of Ap Loc Thanh. After searching this area, intelligence reports were received stating that a suspected company of enemy soldiers were located at Loc Hoa, a larger village northeast of Ap Loc Thanh. The two American units moved into an attack formation and crossed a creek which was the only means of access to the suspected area when they suddenly came under intensive small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from well-concealed and fortified positions. During the ensuing battle, Specialist Burgmann was moving through the rubber trees toward the enemy when his armored personnel carrier came under direct fire from an enemy recoilless rifle. Specialist Burgmann placed effective suppressive fire on the position and neutralized it, preventing the enemy from inflicting any casualties among his men. Dismounting his armored personnel carrier to recover the enemy weapons, he personally slew the enemy gunner. Specialist Fourth Class Burgmann’s courage was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.