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 Colonel (Armor) Jack MacFarlane (ASN: 0-36463), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 March 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date elements of the 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, were conducting a joint reconnaissance in force operation with a unit from the 25th Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. While in flight over the area of operation in his command and control helicopter, Colonel MacFarlane detected an estimated battalion of Viet Cong which was entrenched in well-fortified bunkers. In order to personally direct the assault on the enemy positions, he directed that his aircraft be landed in the area near the enemy concentration. To insure maximum coordination of the assault, Colonel MacFarlane fearlessly accompanied the Vietnamese soldiers who were relatively unfamiliar with current armor tactics, exposing himself to enemy fire while directing the movement of his men. When the assault team was within one hundred meters of the enemy bunkers, it was attacked by raking hostile fire and was forced to withdraw and regroup. Although seriously wounded during the initial attack, Colonel MacFarlane was personally responsible for killing two of the enemy soldiers. Learning of the loss of their commander, the friendly elements rallied and in a renewed effort, again attacked the Viet Cong, forcing them to flee, leaving behind large stores of ammunition and weapons. Colonel MacFarlane’s gallantry was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his command and the United States Army.