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 Edward Sandobal, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 16 April 1969 while serving as a tank commander with Company H, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while he was participating in a reconnaissance in force operation, the friendly armored elements came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire from a large, well-concealed enemy force. In the initial contact Sergeant Sandobal’s tank received a direct rocket propelled grenade hit, seriously wounding him and his fellow crew members. Ignoring his wounds and the intense hostile fire, he remained on the tank and returned fire with his heavy machine gun while a medic treated the other seriously wounded men. As Sergeant Sandobal was placing suppressive fire on the enemy positions, his vehicle was hit by another rocket propelled grenade, gain wounding him and his fellow crew members. While he was being helped to safety by a medic, Sergeant Sandobal spotted several other casualties and immediately insisted that the medic go to their aid. Sergeant Sandobal then moved back into the center of the contact area and carried a seriously wounded comrade to safety. Then again disregarding his wounds and the enemy fusillade, Sergeant Sandobal returned to the contact area and moved another friendly casualty to safety. He continued to assist his fellow soldiers until the loss of blood forced him to be evacuated. Staff Sergeant Sandobal’s outstanding courage, devotion to duty, and deep concern for the welfare of 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.