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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Wayne Jackson Sanders, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 6 September 1969 while serving as a vehicle commander with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Troop C was conducting a reconnaissance mission when they were suddenly engaged by an unknown sized North Vietnamese Army force. Sergeant Sanders immediately maneuvered his vehicle to protect an exposed flank as the intense barrages of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades continued to sweep the entire area. Sergeant Sanders placed a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the enemy positions and scattered several groups of soldiers attempting to flank the troop. As the assault continued, Sergeant Sanders continuously exposed himself to the hostile volleys and he fired his machine gun and direct his men who repeatedly repulsed attacks by the enemy. Suddenly he noticed an enemy rocket propelled grenade team preparing to fire on a vehicle, so he swung his machine gun around and started to fire. Unexpectedly the gun malfunctioned, so Sergeant Sanders grabbed his personal weapon and continued to engage the enemy, resulting in several enemy killed in action. He continued to engage the enemy when suddenly a rocket propelled grenade slammed into his vehicle, very critically wounding him. Despite his painful injuries, he jumped from the track, assaulting another group of North Vietnamese who were mounting an attack on his position. While engaging the enemy he lapsed into unconsciousness and died later from his wounds. Staff Sergeant Sanders’ gallant actions, total devotion to duty and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.