Jerome Ellison Church

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918, the Silver Star is awarded to Jerome Ellison Church, 05337055, Second Lieutenant (Infantry), United States Army, Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry. For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Church distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 7 December 1967, while serving as a platoon leader with Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry during a combat mission near Dai Dong, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became pinned down by intense hostile fire, Lieutenant Church, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the enemy fire as on three separate occasions he assaulted and destroyed enemy emplacements. When his radio was knocked out, Lieutenant Church ran from position to position in order to maintain communications. Although wounded and temporarily blinded, Lieutenant Church refused medical aid until all his wounded men had been treated. 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.