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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Kippert L. Hammond, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 10 March 1970 while serving as medical aidman with Trop B, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while on a reconnaissance mission the troop encountered an intense fusillade from an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese soldiers. During the initial moments of contact, Private Hammond’s vehicle was struck by a rocket propelled grenade seriously wounding him and throwing him from the vehicle. Despite his painful wounds he crawled to the aid of an injured crew member, administered first aid to him and then insured his evacuation. Observing a vehicle approximately one hundred meters from his position that also had been hit by a rocket propelled grenade, he braved the deadly enemy fire and ran to the disabled vehicle. Upon arriving at the vehicle, Private Hammond aided a critically wounded soldier. His conspicuous actions at the scene of contact saved the soldier’s life. Throughout the entire battle he continually exposed himself to the hail of enemy fire to aid the wounded and direct their evacuation. Private First Class Hammond’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.