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 First Lieutenant (Armor) Philip E. Lucas (ASN: 0-5256989), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed force on 24 August 1968 while serving as Platoon Leader with 1st Platoon, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Troop C was conducting a reconnaissance in force missions near the village of Loc Ninh when it suddenly came under intense antitank, small arms and automatic weapons fire from heavily-fortified enemy bunker positions. In the initial burst of fire, an adjacent assault vehicle was struck and disabled by an antitank rocket, killing two of the crew members and wounding the rest. Seeing that help was needed, Lieutenant Lucas dismounted his vehicle and with complete disregard for his personal safety, ran through the withering enemy fire to the disabled vehicle. Lieutenant Lucas remaining completely exposed to the hostile fire, extracted the wounded crewmembers from their vehicle and moved them to a safe position for medical attention and evacuation. He then returned to his vehicle, assumed command of the entire troop and les them in an attack which overran the hostile positions. Lieutenant Lucas’ unwavering devotion to duty, disregard of personal safety while under hostile fire and deep concern for the welfare of his comrades were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.