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 H. Jacobs, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force on 18 April 1969 while serving as a machine gunner with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Troop A was conducting a reconnaissance mission in heavy jungle north of Dau Tieng when the friendly forces were suddenly engaged by an unknown size enemy force which directed an intense barrage of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire upon the American force. Private Jacobs immediately launched an assault on the hostile position overrunning them and inflicting severe losses against the enemy elements. While conducting a sweep of the battlefield, the troop again came under intense enemy fire. Almost immediately two men were wounded and pinned down by the hostile fire. Private Jacobs determined where the fire was coming from and, disregarding his own safety, assaulted the position. Dashing to the enemy bunker he threw a hand grenade into one of the firing apertures and wounded the occupants. Although suffering painful fragmentation wounds from another hand grenade which exploded nearby, Private Jacobs leaped into the enemy bunker and killed the enemy troops with his rifle. He then helped in the evacuation of his two wounded comrades to an evacuation pint and he allowed himself to be evacuated. Private First Class Jacobs’ courage, devotion to duty and deep concern for his comrades were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.