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 First Lieutenant (Armor) Frederic B. Sargent (ASN: 0-5254435), United States Army, for gallantry in actions while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 26 January 1969 while serving as a platoon leader with Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date after the ambush patrol which he was leading had positioned itself along a jungle trail, it was suddenly subject to intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. During the initial exchange of fire, two of Lieutenant Sargent’s men were seriously wounded and the remainder were pinned down. Disregarding his personal safety, he crawled through the deluge of hostile fire in order to aid his two wounded men and to direct the suppressive fire of the remainder of the patrol. While aiding one of the wounded, Lieutenant Sargent was severely wounded by enemy small arms fire. Realizing that his patrol would be in jeopardy if suppressive fire was not directed upon the enemy, he ignored his wounds and crawled through the intense hostile fire in order to man a machine gun. Until he saw that all of his men were safe and until he was finally evacuated, Lieutenant Sargent shouted encouragement to his men, directed accurate machine gun fire upon the hostile forces, called in evacuation helicopters and directed the deployment of the reactionary force. First Lieutenant Sargent’s exceptional courage, unwavering dedication to duty and deep concern for this men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.