The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain William L. Whitmore (ASN: 543461754), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Troop A, 2d Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 July 1970. Captain Whitmore distinguished himself while serving as pilot of an CH-6A light observation helicopter supporting a Ranger team in heavy contact with an enemy force. Despite intense hostile fire directed against his aircraft, Captain Whitmore flew at low level and marked the enemy positions for supporting armed helicopters. When the Ranger team leader was seriously wounded, Captain Whitmore descended through the hostile fire to the team’s position. Although a heavy volume of enemy fire was directed against the aircraft, Captain Whitmore hovered in the landing zone until the wounded Ranger was placed aboard. Evading the hostile fire, Captain Whitmore then ascended and flew the wounded man to the nearest medical facility. Captain Whitmore’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.