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 First Lieutenant (Military Intelligence Corps) William Robert Ross, Jr. (ASN: 0-5334320), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Ross distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 January 1968 during the communist Lunar New Year offensive against Nha Trang. His compound was bombarded with enemy rockets in the early morning hours. The initial attack was followed by a fierce North Vietnamese Army ground assault which broke through the defenses and permitted the enemy to destroy numerous buildings with satchel charges. As the situation became more critical, Lieutenant Ross dashed from his relatively secure position, and braved devastating automatic weapons and grenade fire to move across an open courtyard and gather men to defend the vital communications center. After directing his men to notify higher headquarters of the attack, he fought his way back to his post through a curtain of fire, killing two insurgents as he went. He engaged and killed two more enemy soldiers inside his headquarters building. As he began to destroy vital classified documents in his office, the building was demolished by enemy satchel charges and he was mortally wounded as it collapsed. His courageous actions inspired his men to defend the compound until reinforcements arrived and forced the insurgents to withdraw. First Lieutenant Ross’ gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.