The Bronze Star with V (for valor) attachment has been awarded posthumously to Army SGT Robert L. Adams, Tarentum's first serviceman to die in Viet Nam.

The award was made in a Sunday ceremony in the Army Reserve Center in New Kensington to SGT Adams' parents, Mr. And Mrs. Robert F. Adams, 1030 Summit St. Sergeant Adams' younger brother, Kenneth, also attended.

Maj. Albert B. Druschel, commander of the Area Subsector Command, made the presentation as Headquarters Battery and Service Battery, 5th Howitzer Battalion, 43rd Artillery, under command of Lt. Col. R, G. Leindecker, formed an honor guard.

Mayor Robert E. Cornish also spoke briefly.

A graduate of Tarentum High School, SGT Adams was killed by enemy fire in Viet Nam last April 24.

The citation accompanying the Bronze Star read:

"For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: On this date (April 24), SGT Adams was serving as a fire team leader during a search and destroy operation in Tay Ninh Province. During the closing hours of daylight, Sergeant Adams and his team were making their way through dense jungle undergrowth. Suddenly his platoon received a voluminous amount of Viet Cong fire from well- concealed positions. Completely disregarding his personal safety, and while still under heavy insurgent fire, he succeeded in crawling to each member of his team providing instructions and encouragement. This great display of professional leadership inspired the team to lay down such a protective base of fire that it made possible the maneuvering of the entire platoon to a more strategic position Sergeant Adams then launched a personal assault upon the entrenched Viet Cong. During this courageous action, Sergeant Adams was mortally wounded. As a result of Sergeant Adams' encouragement and general field leadership, his platoon was able to gain the necessary fire superiority which enabled them to successfully repulse a well-planned surprise attack. Sergeant Adams outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery 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."