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 Captain (Armor) Armand E. Racine, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 188 May 1968 while serving as the Commanding Officer of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date he was leading a combined armored and infantry force which suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire from a number of well concealed enemy positions. Realizing that the hostile troops were too well camouflaged for his men to engage them effectively and for supporting aircraft to place accurate fire upon them, he quickly maneuvered his vehicle to an exposed position from which he could direct airstrikes. Although he was immediately subject to an increased volume of enemy fire and was soon wounded by an exploding rocket propelled grenade. Captain Racine continued to direct the supporting fire and the fire of his armor and infantry elements until the hostile force had been completely routed. Captain Racine’s outstanding courage, resourceful leadership 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.