The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Erron Papillion (ASN: US-54518252), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Papillion distinguished himself by heroic actions on 16 May 1970, while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Cambodia. While on a reconnaissance operation, Company B came under intense small arms fire from a large enemy force. During the initial contact several friendly casualties were sustained. When two crew members of one vehicle were wounded, the vehicle became immobilized. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private Papillion moved through a barrage of hostile fire to aid these men. Upon reaching the vehicle, Private Papillion moved the two Soldiers out of the line of fire to an area of relative safety. Private Papillion then further exposed himself to enemy fire as he returned to the vehicle, and drove it back to rejoin the unit, and maneuvered it into a strategic fighting position. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to saving the lives of two fellow Soldiers. The bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty exhibited by Private Papillion are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.