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 Jerrold Louis Vesey, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force, while serving with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Vesey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1970 while serving as an aid man on a search and destroy mission. Specialist Vesey was assigned to the Aero Rifle Platoon of the Air Cavalry Troop when it suddenly began to receive heavy automatic weapons fire from approximately fifteen North Vietnamese soldiers. Immediately, he ran forward through the blistering hail of enemy fire to provide medical attention for the wounded. As he proceeded to administer first aid he was mortally wounded. Specialist Fourth Class Vesey’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.