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 Joseph Wasdovitch, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 April 1969 while serving as a tank loader with Company D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting a reconnaissance in force mission the unit was attacked by an unknown size North Vietnamese Army force using rocket propelled grenades, automatic weapons and small arms. Within moments Specialist Wasdovitch’s tank commander was fatally wounded. Moving quickly Specialist Wasdovitch pulled the man inside the tank and immediately began loading and firing he main gun himself. Shortly afterwards another tank commander attempted to come to the aid of Specialist Wasdovitch but was also mortally wounded by the intense hostile fire. Completely ignoring his own safety Specialist Wasdovitch ran to the fallen man and carried him back to the tank. Realizing the necessity of continuing the assault Specialist Wasdovitch then resumed loading and firing the main gun which enabled the attack to come to a successful conclusion. Specialist Four Wasdovitch’s alertness, dedication to duty and gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.