The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (posthumously) to Private First Class Troy Cleveland Battles, United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Battles distinguished himself by valorous actions on 6 January 1968, while serving as a loader on a tank that was participating in a search and destroy mission southwest of Loc Ninh, Vietnam. During the conduct of the operation, Private Battles was charged with the responsibility of providing security for the tank commander in the event of enemy attack. As the column of armored vehicles proceeded down the road, they suddenly came under an intense volume of rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire from a well concealed and determined Viet Cong force. Without hesitation or regard for personal safety, Private Battles began directing a devastating volume of highly accurate suppressive fire on the insurgents, allowing the tank commander time to analyze the situation and direct his forces. Suddenly, an enemy rocket round struck the tank on which Private Battles was serving, wounding several crew members and mortally wounding Private Battles. Private Battles’ extreme courage and aggressive determination were an inspiration to all those with whom he served and contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy force. Private First Class Battles’ personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the United States Army.