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) Francis Robert Scharpf (ASN: 0-96174), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Scharpf distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 February 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on a reconnaissance in force mission north of Thu Duc, Vietnam. When the lead tank of an attached tank company was struck by a rocket round, Captain Scharpf immediately deployed his troop to provide security for the disabled vehicle. After dismounting and insuring that the wounded had been removed, Captain Scharpf further exposed himself to hostile fire in order to mount and drive the tank from the center of the fierce battle. He then organized the men of his troop and conducted a drive which defeated the Viet Cong force. Captain Scharpf’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.