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 Platoon Sergeant Joseph Audy Whitman (ASN: RA-14250190), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Platoon Sergeant Whitman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 August 1968, while serving as a Tank Commander with Troop A, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a combat mission northwest of Wunder Beach. While participating in an assault on an enemy-held village, Sergeant Whitman moved his tank in the front line of the assault even though his main gun was inoperative. When his machine gun was rendered inoperative, he courageously took up his personal weapons and directed the vehicle into the midst of the enemy bunker complex. In the face of intense hostile fire, including anti-tank weapons, Sergeant Whitman destroyed one of the emplacements with an M-79 grenade launcher and then directed the tank directly on top of the enemy bunkers, crushing them, as he continued to provide covering fire for other friendly elements with his rifle. Platoon Sergeant Whitman’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.