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 Private First Class Robert Edward Paige (ASN: US-55842227), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Paige distinguished himself as a Medic for Company C, 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a combat operation in the jungles of Vietnam. As the unit moved across a clearing in dense jungle, it suddenly came under fierce attack from a numerically superior Viet Cong force armed with Claymore Mines, small arms, and automatic weapons. Seeing a number of his comrades fall in the initial burst of enemy fire, Private Paige immediately dashed across the bullet-swept battlefield in order to render medical aid to the wounded. Without regard for personal safety and fully realizing the peril of the situation, Private Paige exposed himself to a torrent of enemy fire as he moved to the injured soldiers and aided in evacuating them to an area of comparative safety. In an attempt to reach one of the wounded men, Private Paige was hit by a burst of insurgent fire and was mortally wounded. Private Paige’s professional aid and personal sacrifice was an inspiration to all and contributed significantly to saving the lives of many. Private First Class Paige’s extraordinary heroism while in close combat with a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.