Steven Orlando Dile, age 21, from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Franklin county.
Parents: Martha Ann Dile and preceded in death by David Dile
Service era: Vietnam
Date of death: Wednesday, January 28, 1970
Death details: Silver Star citation: 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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Steven Orlando Dile (ASN: RA-11732019), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 January 1970. Sergeant Dile distinguished himself while serving as a fire team leader in Company B, 3d Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), on a reconnaissance in force mission near Landing Zone ENGLISH, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. While the friendly element was reconnoitering enemy locations they encountered heavy automatic weapons, small arms, and grenade fire from a well-concealed platoon of North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Braving the hostile fire, Sergeant Dile immediately crawled to the front of his element and learned that his platoon leader was seriously wounded. Realizing the necessity of control, Sergeant Dile took command of the platoon, organizing his comrades and guiding them in a counterattack. Disregarding his own safety, he leveled a base of fire to cover and protect his fallen comrades from the enemy attack. He then moved into an unprotected position to draw fire away from the Medical Aidman who was attempting to reach the wounded personnel. Directing his men and covering the Medical Aidman, Sergeant Dile was wounded by small arms fire. Ignoring his injury, he moved forward to aid in bringing his wounded comrades to safety. He remained behind to spray the enemy positions with rifle fire and provide cover as his comrades withdrew. With his complete unselfishness and outstanding leadership, he kept his comrades together and prevented the remainder of the element from receiving further casualties. Sergeant Dile’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Source: National Archives, Public Opinion (1970), Military Times