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 Alan Bachman, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Bachman distinguished himself while serving with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 23 August 1969, First Lieutenant Bachman’s track was travelling in a convoy west of An Khe when a B-40 rocket struck his vehicle, wounding all personnel and throwing all but First Lieutenant Bachman and another man from the vehicle. Although severely wounded by the blast, First Lieutenant Bachman manned a 50 caliber machine gun and provided covering fire for one of his comrades who pulled the rest of the wounded personnel back on the track. During this operations, two enemy soldiers attempted to flank the vehicle. Reacting immediately, First Lieutenant Bachman killed the two enemy. He then continued to place suppressive fire on the enemy until they were routed. First Lieutenant Bachman’s brave actions, fortitude, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.