The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Finis R. Ford, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Squad Leader with Battery D (Machine Gun), 71st Artillery Regiment, II Field Force Artillery, in action on 18 February 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Sergeant Ford’s vehicle was directed to support an infantry assault in the area of Phouc Binh. As they approached their objective, they encountered intense small arms and automatic weapons fire which disabled Sergeant Ford’s vehicle and wounded both the crew members and infantrymen in the vehicle. Although wounded in the face, neck and arms, Sergeant Ford undauntedly returned the enemy’s fire while the wounded were evacuated. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he remained in his exposed position, raking the enemy with suppressive fire, until the concussion of a direct hit threw him from the vehicle. The suppressive fire which he directed upon the enemy fortifications inflicted heavy losses among their ranks and was a significant factor in limiting the number of casualties. Sergeant Ford’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.