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 First Lieutenant (Armor) William James Peplinski, 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 Peplinski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Platoon Leader with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in July 1969. First Lieutenant Peplinski’s Troop was in a night defensive position south of Cu Chi District. He was checking the positions of his armored personnel carriers when a Viet Cong grenade bounced off the vehicle next to him. Realizing the threat to the vehicle and its crew, First Lieutenant Peplinski grabbed the grenade and threw it outside the perimeter, where it exploded. Although suffering a head wound and a serious leg wound, he returned fire and directed the fire of his Armored Personnel Carriers at the enemy position. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Peplinski, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.