(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Chaplain’s Corps) Don Laverne Bartley (ASN: 0-102134), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Chaplain Bartley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in March 1968, while serving as Chaplain of the 196th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), on a combat mission in the Republic of Vietnam. Chaplain Bartley was a passenger on a helicopter that was shot down, killing all aboard except for Chaplain Bartley, who was wounded, and one other soldier who was seriously wounded and thrown from the helicopter and was laying in the open. The crash site was surrounded by Viet Cong soldiers who poured a withering fire on the crash site. Chaplain Bartley used an M-16 rifle to repel the assaulting enemy, and then crawled out under fire to the wounded man and pulled him back into the helicopter. He rendered life-saving first aid to his wounded comrade and called for a rescue force. Chaplain Bartley’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against an enemy force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.