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 Specialist Fourth Class Sidney T. Walden, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 16 April 1969 while serving as a medic with Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while he was participating in a reconnaissance in force operation, friendly armored elements came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire from a large well concealed enemy force. Upon seeing the lead tank hit by a rocket propelled grenade he immediately dismounted his vehicle and ran through the hostile fusillade to assist the crew of the damaged tank. As he was administrating first aid to one of the men, the vehicle was hit by another rocket propelled grenade knocking Specialist Walden to the ground. He quickly remounted the tank and continued treating the casualties and preparing them for medical evacuation. Upon completion of the evacuation he observed a second tank receive a direct rocket propelled grenade hit. Disregarding the intense hostile fire he ran to the damaged vehicle and found the loader lying wounded inside the tank. Although he was continuously exposed to the enemy fusillade, Specialist Walden climbed on top of the vehicle, pulled the wounded soldier from inside and administered immediate first aid. Continuing to ignore the hostile fire, he lifted the casualty to his shoulders and carried him to the safety of the medic vehicle. When his wounded comrade had been evacuated, Specialist Walden returned to the contact area and continued treating and carrying the friendly casualties to the evacuation point. Specialist Four Walden’s courage, devotion to duty and deep concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.