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 Captain (Infantry) Leonard Rex Tavernetti (ASN: OF-102777), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 7 November 1967. On this date, curing Operation SHENANDOAH II, Captain Tavernetti was serving as company commander on a search and destroy mission near Loc Ninh. His unit was moving in a large rubber plantation when they were engaged by a numerically superior Viet Cong force employing claymore mines, rockets, small arms, and automatic weapons. Although wounded in the initial barrage, Captain Tavernetti remained in complete control of his company, moving from position to position deploying his men and directing their devastating fire onto the insurgents. He was wounded again, but continued to crawl about the area shouting words of encouragement to his men and placing his own deadly fire into the enemy ranks. As he was searching for his wounded radio-telephone operator, he was wounded two more times which necessitated his evacuation. Inspired by his fortitude and courage, his men redoubled their efforts and forced the Viet Cong to retreat in complete disorder. His dynamic leadership and personal bravery significantly contributed to the overwhelming defeat of the enemy. Captain Tavernetti’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.