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 Karl A. Warner (ASN: RA-18944505), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 10 October 1968 while serving as a crew chief and observer on an OH-6A helicopter with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Specialist Warner’s aircraft was participating in a low level reconnaissance mission over an area where aircraft had already been fired on when his helicopter came under heavy enemy fire. Reacting immediately, he located the source of the enemy fire and guided his pilot to it. With the aircraft virtually hovering over the enemy position, Specialist Warner, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, constantly exposed himself to the enemy’s bullets as he fired his M-79 grenade launcher on the hostile positions to keep the enemy pinned down and to mark them for the gunships which were above him. As the aircraft hovered dangerously over the enemy, it received several hits in the engine and crashed. Although severely wounded, Specialist Warner helped the pilot set up a two man defensive perimeter around the downed aircraft until reinforcements worked their way through the jungle to render aid. Specialist Warner’s decisive actions and valor despite his painful injuries contributed measurably to the rescue operations and routing the enemy force from the area. Specialist Four Warner’s unwavering devotion to duty, outstanding professional skill and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.