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 Private First Class Stephen M. Maks, United States Army, for gallantry in actions while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 1969 while serving as a radio operator with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Private Maks was part of a liaison team to the 5th Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, when their night defensive position suddenly came under an intense mortar and ground attack from and estimated fire support base, the friendly forces were forced to pull back. Private Maks continued to maintain radio contact with Headquarters when suddenly mortar fire struck his vehicle. He attempted to repair the damage, but was forced to abandon the project. He then grabbed a machine gun and engaged the advancing enemy. The hostile force used human wave assault techniques coming alongside the vehicles, but Private Maks returned a heavy volume of fire that forced the enemy back on several occasions. When the six man team ran low on ammunition and had to move out of the area, Private Maks remained on top of the vehicle in order to provide covering fire. Private First Class Maks’ 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.