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 (Corps of Engineers) Gary Vaughn Diers (ASN: 0-5241743), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Diers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 15 December 1967, while serving as a platoon leader with Company A, 8th Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during a combat mission in the Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force and the commanding officer was seriously wounded, Lieutenant Diers assumed command of his unit. Exposing himself to the hostile fire, he directed the establishing of a medical evacuation landing zone. Disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Diers then moved from position to position to direct the evacuation of the wounded and reassured his men. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.