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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Pasqual V. Gutierrez, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 26 March 1970 while serving as a platoon sergeant with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in Republic of Vietnam. On this date his troop was acting as a reactionary force for a company of infantrymen who were trapped northwest of fire support base Illingsworth. As the troop entered the contact area, it began to receive intense rocket-propelled grenade, recoilless rifle, small arms and automatic weapons fire from two companies of North Vietnamese soldiers entrenched in bunkers. Sergeant Gutierrez led the attack against the well-fortified enemy and was inspiration for his entire platoon. He destroyed several enemy bunkers and personnel while drawing enemy fire, enabling his platoon to maneuver through the thick jungle. He continually exposed himself to the deadly hail of enemy fire to better observe the enemy positions and engage them. Due to his actions, the enemy was routed with numerous casualties inflicted upon them. Staff Sergeant Gutierrez’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.