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 Sergeant Vitalio Vela, Jr. (ASN: RA-56368522), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Vela distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 February 1968 while serving as a Track Commander with Troop I, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. During a combined operation with elements of the 9th Infantry Division near the village of Cau Dat, the friendly force suddenly began receiving a sustained barrage of small arms, automatic weapons and recoilless rifle rounds from an unknown sized Viet Cong force. Sergeant Vela, in command of the lead armored cavalry assault vehicle quickly wheeled around so that his machine gunners could match the enemy fire. When a rocket struck the track, causing it to erupt into flames and wounding all aboard. Sergeant Vela refused medical attention until all other crew members had been cared for. Ignoring his serious wounds, Sergeant Vela covered the evacuation with a .50 caliber machine gun, allowing all casualties to be safely removed to a medical aid area. He remained behind at his machine gun, skillfully repelling the enemy force until he was mortally wounded. Sergeant Vela’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.