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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Leigh Cole Fairbank, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Fairbank distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 5 January 1970, while serving as Commanding Officer, Company E, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a reconnaissance mission in Tay Ninh, Republic of Vietnam. Enemy contact was made three separate times in a two day period. Each of these times Captain Fairbank insured that every member of his company had secured a position of maximum safety. Although wounded, he continued to demonstrate the utmost of leadership abilities as he risked his life repeatedly to see that the members of his company had secured a position of maximum amount of protection from the hostile enemy force. Captain Fairbank’s gallant actions led to the capture of a large amount of enemy equipment, and the possession of numerous enemy documents which greatly contributed to intelligence reports. His gallant actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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 (Infantry) Leigh Cole Fairbank, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Fairbank distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 5 November 1969, while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during an enemy attack in the Republic of Vietnam. When the landing zone came under a fierce enemy attack, part of the perimeter was penetrated by several sappers. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Fairbank immediately gathered a three man reaction force and led them against the hostiles. Skillfully engaging the enemy, he killed at least four insurgents and restored the perimeter. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.