The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Specialist Fourth Class Edward Matyjasik, Jr., United States Army, for heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 May 1970. Specialist Matyjasik distinguished himself while serving as a Rifleman in Company A, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 502d Infantry, while defending a night defensive perimeter in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. When numerous heavily armed enemy sappers tried to penetrate his company’s defensive perimeter, Specialist Matyjasik, despite being wounded in the initial contact, remained at his fighting position, refusing medical aid. He placed effective fire on numerous insurgent positions and contributed heavily to the defeat of the hostile force. Specialist Matyjasik’s personal bravery 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Specialist Fourth Class Edward Matyjasik, Jr., United States Army, for heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 May 1970. Specialist Matyjasik distinguished himself while serving as a radio-telephone operator in Company A, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 502d Infantry, during a reconnaissance-in-force operation in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. While inspecting an area that was the target of an earlier air strike, Specialist Matyjasik’s platoon came under hostile small arms, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. When his platoon leader was critically wounded, Specialist Matyjasik immediately administered emergency treatment while continuing to monitor his radio. He relayed coordinating instructions to the elements of the platoon, enabling them to mount a counterattack. Specialist Matyjasik kept his superiors informed on the changing tactical situation, and assisted in moving his wounded platoon leader through the enemy fire to a protected position. Specialist Matyjasik’s personal bravery 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.