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 Private First Class Ronald Arthur Kling (ASN: US-56826475), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Kling distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 August 1967, while serving as rifleman with Company C, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a combat mission in the Soui Ca Valley, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force, Private First Class Kling constantly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he moved to a forward fighting position, administering first aid and evacuating his wounded comrades. Several times he moved to a close proximity of the enemy positions to render aid to the injured. After assuring that all the wounded had been cared for, Private First Class Kling then took up a good fighting position to cover his unit’s withdrawal to more defensive positions. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, 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 Specialist Fourth Class Ronald Arthur Kling (ASN: US-56826475), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Kling distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 January 1968, while serving as a squad leader with Company C, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a search and destroy mission in the Que Son Valley, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and the platoon leader was seriously wounded, Specialist Kling, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the enemy fire as he moved forward and carried the injured man to safety. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.