Ronald F. Heaton

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ronald F. Heaton, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 March 1968. Staff Sergeant Heaton distinguished himself during a combat operation near Hue, Republic of Vietnam when his platoon came under intense automatic weapons fire and mortars at the same instant from an entrenched enemy force. In the initial moments of contact the platoon leader was wounded, leaving Staff Sergeant Heaton in command. Staff Sergeant Heaton immediately began to deploy his men in a maneuver against the enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Staff Sergeant Heaton moved among his men offering encouragement and directing their fire. When one of his squads was pinned down by fire, Staff Sergeant Heaton charged through a withering hail of fire and destroyed the position, killing two enemy soldiers and capturing a machine gun. Although wounded painfully, Staff Sergeant Heaton remained in command until the situation was once again under control. Staff Sergeant Heaton’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in close combat against a hostile force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.