The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) George W. Powers (ASN: OF-107353), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the gallantry in action involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Powers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 July 1967, while serving as a platoon leader in Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, while participating in a mounted road march in the vicinity of Xa Binh Hoa, Vietnam. Suddenly, from both sides of the road, the friendly force was attacked by a reinforced battalion of Viet Cong employing anti-tank rockets, recoilless rifles, automatic weapons, and small arms. Expertly deploying his men and clearing the highway, Lieutenant Powers fearlessly moved forward in a courageous attempt to assist his comrades. As he entered the main concentration of enemy fire, Lieutenant Powers was informed that the troop commander had been killed and that the entire command structure was in danger of collapse. Lieutenant Powers informed the squadron commander of the tactical situation and continued to display extreme calm throughout the battle. In complete disregard for his own safety, he braved withering fire to point out targets and to direct friendly artillery concentrations and gunship passes. Due to Lieutenant Powers’ highly accurate artillery placement, the enemy began to move closer to the convoy in order to avoid the indirect fire. At this time, Lieutenant Powers noticed six Viet Cong hastily assembling a recoilless rifle. As bullets filled the air all around him, Lieutenant Powers attacked the position with his Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle, killing five of the insurgents and obliterating the weapon. Returning to his original position, he contacted evacuation aircraft and supervised the loading of casualties as well as the security of the helicopters. First Lieutenant Powers’ extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.