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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred Keith Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 12 May to 13 May 1969 while serving as Battalion Commander, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during a reconnaissance in force mission in Long An Province. After his unit came under attack, Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey, flying in the Command and Control helicopter, continually exposed himself to enemy fire while flying low over the area to adjust air and artillery fire against the hostile force, and direct ground troops in coordinated assaults against the enemy positions. During ensuing action, after taking control of the operation on the ground, Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey called in gunship strikes to within 35 meters of his position, and skillfully continued to direct fire support into the area until the enemy force was totally defeated. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred Keith Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 April 1969 while serving as Battalion Commander, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Long An Province. After one of his companies became heavily engaged with a large enemy force, Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey flew to the area and braved intense hostile fire to circle over the hostile emplacements, pinpointing targets for artillery supporting fire. Although the enemy directed an extreme volume of anti-aircraft fire at his helicopter, he remained at low level over the area until his forces had completely encircled the hostile element. He then joined the company on the ground and repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to direct the action of men. His valiant leadership resulted in a total rout of the hostile force. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred Keith Mahaffey (ASN: 0-72962), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 January 1969 while serving as Battalion Commander, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a cordon mission in Dinh Tuong Province. Disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant colonel Mahaffey repeatedly had his craft fly low over the embattled area to coordinate the linking up of his men. He then landed and personally directed the employment of his units. Despite the fact that he came under intense enemy fire four times that night, Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey continued to courageously move through the area directing the fire of his men. His actions resulted in a striking victory over the Viet Cong. Lieutenant Colonel Mahaffey’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.