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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Donald Clay Dedmon (ASN: RA-16502635), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Detachment A-342, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Sergeant Dedmon distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 10 June 1965, while serving as heavy weapons advisor for an American Special Forces unit in the Republic of Vietnam. When the American compound in which he was stationed came under intense hostile fire from a Viet Cong attack, Sergeant Dedmon remained at his defensive position placing effective fire on the enemy with his recoilless rifle even after he was severely wounded by an enemy grenade. Sergeant Dedmon continued to operate his weapon until his ammunition was expended and then moved through the intense hostile fire to the ammunition re-supply point. As he attempted to secure additional ammunition Sergeant Dedmon was mortally wounded by the Viet Cong. By his aggressive action in holding his position, he was instrumental in preventing the compound from being overrun in the initial attack. Sergeant Dedmon’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.