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 Otis James Darden (ASN: US-56834262), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 3 February 1969 while serving with the Aero Rifle Platoon of the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Darden was serving as the point man of a reconnaissance patrol which had located and begun searching a well-concealed and heavily-fortified enemy base camp. Suddenly, while going through a system of communist bunkers, the patrol came under an intense barrage of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior enemy force. Realizing that his comrades were outnumbered, Specialist Darden directed them to withdraw from the base camp and call for air strikes and reinforcements. Displaying a complete disregard for his personal safety, he assumed a completely exposed position in order to adequately cover the withdrawal of his comrades. He remained fully exposed to enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire while directing accurate fire upon the hostile forces, pinning them down. During this courageous stand he was fatally wounded. Specialist Darden’s gallant actions undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades and resulted in the destruction of the enemy base camp, fifteen enemy killed and six prisoners captured. Specialist Fourth Class Darden’s dedication to duty, disregard of personal safety and deep concern for the lives of his comrades were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.