DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

HEADQUARTERS 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION

APO San Francisco  96262

GENERAL ORDERS                                                                                                18 April 1969

NUMBER          1214

AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

 1.   TC 320.  The following AWARD is announced posthumously:

 RUNGE, FRANKLIN J   RA16609874       SPECIALIST FOUR      United States Army,

Co A, 1st Bn, 8th Inf, 4th Inf Div, APO 96265

         Awarded:  Silver Star

         Date action:  12 March 1969

         Theater:     Republic of Vietnam

  Reason:      For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.  Specialist Four Runge distinguished himself while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.  On 12 March 1969, Specialist Runge was on patrol with his unit west of Kontum City when they came under heavy enemy fire from hidden positions.  The lead element was immediately pinned down and was taking casualties.  Specialist Runge valiantly moved through the enemy fire to the top of a hill where he placed accurate and deadly fire on the enemy, allowing the lead element to move to safety.  While bringing an enemy machine-gun emplacement under fire, he himself was mortally wounded.  His outstanding performance saved the lives of numerous comrades.  Specialist Four Runge's exceptional courage, determination, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

 Authority:  By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918.