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 (Field Artillery) William Nathan Bailey, Jr. (ASN: 0-90647), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 25 November 1966. On this date Captain Bailey was serving as Battery Commander of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 7th Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in support of Operation ATTLEBORO when his unit was subjected to an intense hostile mortar bombardment. Although wounded during the initial barrage, Captain Bailey, with complete disregard for his personal safety, ran from his post to his firing battery and alerted his men to prepare the counter-mortar attack. Having insured that his guns were functioning properly, Captain Bailey issued the order to commence fire, barely 60 seconds after the first Viet Cong rounds landed in the battery area. Completely ignoring the incoming insurgent mortar fire, Captain Bailey moved throughout the unit area as he searched for and assisted his wounded men. When all personnel were accounted for and all casualties attended to, Captain Bailey reorganized his unit in order to provide continuous fire for American infantry units. He then made an accurate damage estimate which permitted re-supply and enabled the unit to repair extensive vehicle damage. Captain Bailey’s unquestionable valor in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.