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), [then First Lieutenant] Peter Anthony Dencker, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company H (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger), 3d Brigade (Separate), 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Captain Dencker distinguished himself on 7 September 1970 while serving as platoon leader on a combat operation. In the initial moments of contact, Captain Dencker’s radio telephone operator was severely wounded by mortar rounds impacting in the platoon’s besieged position. Seeing that the wounded man was in an exposed position, Captain Dencker immediately and without regard for his own safety, maneuvered to the position where the wounded man was lying. During his attempts to move the man to a more tenable position, Captain Dencker was wounded by one of the mortar rounds. At this time the platoon came under a ground attack from the front and left flank of its position. Captain Dencker directed the retaliatory fire and called in accurate, uninterrupted, and deadly fire from artillery, Cobra gunships, and tactical air support. Though wounded himself, he refused to be medevaced until all contact had ceased and his wounded men evacuated. Captain Dencker’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.