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 Fifth Class Dale Richard Wells, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Wells distinguished himself by intrepid actions during the period 13 February 1969 to 19 February 1969, while service as a Medic with Company D, 1st Battalion, 52d Infantry Regiment, Americal Division. On 13 February, the company was conducting search and clear operations near Landing Zone Young when the point element came under intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire which wounded several friendly soldiers. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Wells rushed from his relatively secure position and maneuvered through the hostile fire to aid his injured comrades and pull them to safety. The following morning, the unit encountered a large enemy force near Tien Phuoc. During the engagement, the forward element was pinned down by the well entrenched enemy force. Again, Specialist Wells unhesitatingly went to aid the casualties, crawling beneath the grazing fire and dragging his fellow soldiers to the safety of rice paddy dikes in the area. On 19 February, the company engaged an enemy force for the third time and most of the medics were injured in the initial barrage of fire. Specialist Wells assumed the responsibility of treating the large number of casualties and repeatedly exposed himself to the insurgents as he aided his comrades. His courageous actions throughout this period were directly responsible for saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. Specialist Fourth Class Wells’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.