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 Douglas Conn (ASN: US-51730849), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Staff Sergeant Conn distinguished himself by heroic actions on 16 November 1969, while serving as a platoon sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a night ambush patrol, elements of the scout platoon of Headquarters Company came in contact with a platoon of enemy soldiers. When a reactionary force arrived at the battle area, Sergeant Conn discovered that a sniper was missing from the main body of the element. Unhesitatingly, Sergeant Conn organized his men and led them through the perilous area in search of the missing soldier. As they moved through the area, the unit came under intense enemy fire. Immediately, Sergeant Conn dismounted from his armored personnel carrier and pressed through the barrage of fire. After locating the sniper, Sergeant Conn was informed that because of the weight of his pack the sniper was forced to leave it behind. Knowing that the pack contained a sniper’s scope, which would present a possible detriment in the hands of the enemy, Sergeant Conn began to assault the hostile positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Conn exposed himself to the hail of fire as he threw numerous hand grenades on the aggressors, which caused the enemy force to withdraw. After securing the pack, Sergeant Conn returned to his vehicle and continued to place fire on the fleeing enemy soldiers. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the thwarting of the hostile force. Sergeant Conn’s bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.