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 Private First Class Dennis Alvin McKellar (ASN: US-55893463), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class McKellar distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Medic for the 3d Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, which was conducting a search and destroy mission in the mountainous and dense jungle near Plei Djerang. The company encountered a well-fortified North Vietnamese force and the Third Platoon maneuvered to eliminate a bunker complex which housed enemy automatic weapons. With great determination and courage, the platoon aggressively assaulted the enemy and destroyed the position; however, a well placed and concealed enemy sniper began to pick off the gallant friendly troops. A soldier received a gun shot wound in the hip and called for a medic. Private First Class McKellar immediately and unhesitatingly went to his comrade’s aid. While attending the soldier’s wound, the sniper again opened fire and hit Private First Class McKellar in the base of the spine. Although critically wounded and completely incapacitated, Private First Class McKellar initially refused assistance from another soldier who came to his aid. Instead, he gave verbal instructions to the new helper so that his patient’s wound might be properly cared for. Private First Class McKellar and his wounded comrades were evacuated; however, the valiant medic died of his wounds shortly after he was admitted to the hospital. By unhesitatingly placing the life of his fellow man above his own, Private First Class McKellar demonstrated courage, determination, and devotion to duty of the highest order. His heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.