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 Robert Edmund Koonce, United States Army, for gallantry in actions while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Koonce distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1970 while serving as a rifleman with Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Koonce was acting as the lead man of his element when the suddenly came under intense automatic weapons fire from approximately fifteen North Vietnamese soldiers. In the initial moments of contact the squad leader was wounded and Specialist Koonce immediately proceeded to move him to safety and render first aid to him. As he was assisting his wounded comrade, Specialist Koonce was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. Specialist Four Koonce’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.