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 (Field Artillery) Eric C. Deets (ASN: 0-5428512), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Battery D, 1st Battalion, 5th Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, in action on 5 October 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Lieutenant Deets was serving as an artillery forward observer during a battalion-minus reconnaissance in force operation five kilometers south of Dau Tieng. His company was traveling in the lead when the friendly force was suddenly subjected to intense automatic weapons, rocket and mortar fire by Viet Cong in a well-concealed base camp. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Deets immediately rushed forward through the hail of hostile rounds to the point of heaviest fighting. He quickly assessed the situation and began adjusting artillery and mortar fire on suspected enemy positions. As he moved to a more advantageous location, Lieutenant Deets was struck by flying shrapnel in the head and legs. Ignoring his multiple wounds, he dauntlessly continued to call in supporting fires on the insurgents with maximum effectiveness until ordered to move back and receive medical attention. The extraordinary courage and staunch perseverance displayed by Lieutenant Deets during the hazardous situation were instrumental in inflicting substantial losses upon the enemy. First Lieutenant Deets’ unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.