The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Nguyen Ba Truoc (42A/101.418), Army of the Republic of Vietnam, for gallantry in action while engaged in a joint military operation with United States Forces on 19 February 1967. Attacked by a numerically superior force and without air support, Major Truoc calmly directed the defense of his battalion for eleven and one-half hours of continuous combat. Constantly calling for fire dangerously close to his own positions, Major Truoc, relying on the fighting ability of his men, directed numerous counterattacks on the assault NVA. Taken by surprise, the NVA were held at bay until weather permitted air strikes. Still, Major Truoc directed that strikes be put as close to friendly lines as possible and that counterattacks continue between these strikes. Constantly exposing himself to hostile fire and with complete disregard for his own safety, Major Truoc’s daring tactical moves proved effective and the enemy was repelled. Major Truoc’s gallantry in action reflects great credit upon himself and his country.