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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Eugene Klein (ASN: 0-70796), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Lieutenant Colonel Klein distinguished himself by heroic actions on 18 December 1968, while serving as Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Klein exposed himself to the intense hostile fire while leading the battalion in an assault on the well-fortified enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel Klein climbed atop the lead vehicle, and evacuated the wounded vehicle commander. Returning to the bullet swept area, Lieutenant Colonel Klein detected enemy movement in a hedgerow 20 meters away, and destroyed the enemy position with an M-60 machine gun. From exposed positions, he called in supporting air strikes, and gunships throughout the raging battle. Afterwards, Lieutenant Colonel Klein directed the battalion into a consolidated position, and supervised the evacuation of two personnel carriers. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission, and the defeat of the hostile force. Lieutenant Colonel Klein’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Eugene Klein (ASN: 0-70796), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Lieutenant Colonel Klein distinguished himself by heroic actions on 27 February 1969, while serving as Battalion Commander with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance in force operation, Company C came under intense attack by a large enemy force. After directing the company into a strategic position, Lieutenant Colonel Klein began to call in effective artillery and gunship fire on the hostile fortifications. When one of the company’s tanks hit a mine, several casualties were sustained. Immediately, Lieutenant Colonel Klein landed in his light observation helicopter to evacuate a wounded soldier. After taking the injured man to the 12th Evacuation Hospital, Lieutenant Colonel Klein returned to the battle area to adjust the supporting fires. On one of his numerous low level observation passes, Lieutenant Colonel Klein’s helicopter sustained a crippling hit and crashed in the hostile area. Although injured, Lieutenant Colonel Klein helped to organize several assaults on the aggressor emplacements. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the insurgent force. Lieutenant Colonel Klein’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William Eugene Klein (ASN: 0-70796), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Lieutenant Colonel Klein distinguished himself by heroic actions on 25 March 1969, while serving as Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a rome plow operation, elements of the 5th Infantry came under an intense attack from a large enemy force. Immediately, Lieutenant Colonel Klein organized a rescue team to evacuate his wounded comrades. After insuring that the injured men had been evacuated to a safe area, Lieutenant Colonel Klein directed his men to withdraw from the area in order to utilize supporting gunship fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel Klein exposed himself to the hail of weaponry as he personally led his men in an assault on the insurgents’ emplacements. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Klein’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division,and the United States Army.