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 Fred Kawailani M. Hatada (ASN: 10124591), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 199th Recon Airplane Company, 307th Aviation Battalion, 164th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1968. Specialist Fourth Class Hatada distinguished himself while serving as a member of a reaction force sent to protect the Vinh Long Airfield perimeter following a mortar attack. During the early morning hours, a large enemy force attacked the airfield perimeter and attempted to destroy the aircraft in the revetments. Upon reaching the area, the reaction force came under heavy enemy fire. Specialist Hatada unhesitatingly moved from one revetment to another killing the enemy before they could destroy the aircraft. As he attempted to move to yet another revetment he was mortally wounded. Because of his courageous actions not a single aircraft was damaged by the Viet Cong. His 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.