First Lieutenant Ludwig distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed opposing force on 9 August 1969 while serving as a platoon leader with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting an airmobile operation near Long An Province, his platoon was pinned down by intense fire from a well concealed enemy force. Undaunted by the hostile fusillade, Lieutenant Ludwig began systematically assaulting the hostile positions in order to relieve the pressure on his endangered element. As a result of his aggressive maneuvering, three enemy troops were killed and five emplacements were eliminated. A short time later his three man point element came under intense fire and was pinned down fifty meters from the remainder of the platoon. Again disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Ludwig maneuvered through the hostile fusillade to aid the endangered troops. His accurate rifle fire killed one of the enemy, and several well-thrown grenades silenced a number of hostile emplacements. While he continued to place suppressive fire on the enemy positions, the three soldiers safely rejoined the platoon. First Lieutenant Ludwig’s outstanding courage, devotion to duty and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.