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 Enrique Thomas Enrico, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 17 June 1969, while serving as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while flying in the troop commander’s aircraft, Specialist Enrico spotted enemy activity below. As the pilot made a low-level pass over the area, the helicopter suddenly began receiving intense automatic weapons fire. Disregarding the hostile fusillade, Specialist Enrico immediately began placing suppressive fire on the enemy positions. As the aircraft continued making passes over the hostile elements, he leaned far out the door in order to pinpoint the enemy positions and mark them with smoke grenades. While the aircraft waited for the helicopter gunships to arrive, Specialist Enrico continued to rake the hostile emplacements with machine gun fire and killed four enemy troops. Because of his accurate placement of smoke grenades, the gunships were able to quickly silence the hostile positions. Specialist Fourth Class Enrico’s outstanding courage, alertness and 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.