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 Sergeant Robert Edward Sonnabend (ASN: US-51982236), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 March 1969. Sergeant Sonnabend distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in the Reconnaissance Platoon of Company E, 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during a combat operation near Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. While on a mission on the side of a mountain, the Reconnaissance Platoon came under intense automatic weapons, rocket propelled grenade, mortar, and small arms fire from well-fortified enemy bunkers. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Sonnabend remained completely unprotected from the enemy fire as he maneuvered his squad up the steep slope to flank the enemy. His squad was forced back under the enemy fire three times, but each time he rallied his men and renewed the attack. On the fourth ascent of the mountain, he moved well in front of the assault, advancing to within forty meters of the foremost bunker. Although receiving a heavy volume of enemy fire, he maneuvered into the open, fired his anti-tank weapon from a kneeling position, and engaged and destroyed the enemy bunker. The remaining enemy fled the bunkers, and Sergeant Sonnabend, pushing the advantage, led his squad as the enemy was driven from the mountain. The platoon immediately set up a night defensive position on the mountain top and throughout the night were engaged with continual probing attacks from the enemy. Once again ignoring his personal safety, he repeatedly moved from man to man, coordinating fire. Through his courage and outstanding leadership, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission, which resulted in five enemy casualties and three weapons captured. Sergeant Sonnabend’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.