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 Major (Armor) Edward R. Underwood (ASN: 0-5215168), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on 23 January 1969 while serving as Aero Scout Platoon Leader with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while on a visual reconnaissance mission, Major Underwood sighted four enemy soldiers in what appeared to be a deserted enemy base camp. Disregarding his own safety, Major Underwood engaged the insurgents with his mini-gun. Upon forcing the enemy to take cover in bunkers, he notified higher headquarters of the situation and requested a ground element to sweep the base camp. While awaiting the round element he continually provided suppressive fire from treetop level and at extremely low airspeed to keep the enemy force pinned down. He also requested tactical air support and skillfully marked the enemy positions to ensure the effectiveness of the airstrikes. After expending his mini-gun ammunition, he kept the enemy pinned down utilizing hand grenades and his personal weapon until the support helicopters arrived. Critically low on fuel and lacking additional ammunition, Major Underwood left the battle area to rearm and refuel and then returned to the area in order to provide accurate intelligence reports. When the troop commander’s helicopter received damaging automatic weapons fire, Major Underwood unhesitatingly assumed command and immediately returned the hostile fire and again marked the area with smoke grenades. His gallant actions throughout the period of action were instrumental in the sound defeat of the enemy force. Major Underwood’s exceptional courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.