The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Terry C. Curtin (ASN: RA-11883641), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 7 January 1969, in the Republic of Vietnam, while assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade. On this day when Company C encountered an enemy force on a search and clear mission, the enemy retreat ed into a cave complex. Sergeant Curtin was part of a five-man element sent into the complex to rout the enemy. Upon entering one of the caves, the element was met by a heavy concentration of small arms and automatic weapons fire that wounded three Soldiers. After assisting in the removal of the three wounded Soldiers, Sergeant Curtin returned to the cave. Upon entering the cave the second time, Sergeant Curtin’s squad leader was mortally wounded. Realizing t hat the enemy would mutilate the body if it were left in place, Sergeant Curtin remained in the cave alone for five hours, until equipment could be procured to extract the mortally wounded man. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Curtin was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 173d Airborne Brigade, and the United States Army.