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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) William L. McCarron (ASN: 0-5324968), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 May 1966, while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). First Lieutenant McCarron distinguished himself in action while serving as a Platoon Leader on a search and destroy mission near Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. On this date he led his platoon in an assault against an enemy battalion which was occupying heavily fortified positions along a ridge. After two unsuccessful attempts against the position, First Lieutenant McCarron reorganized his crippled platoon. During this time an enemy penetration was developing to the rear which could have spelled defeat for the friendly forces. Sensing this development and immediately reacting to the threat, First Lieutenant McCarron personally charged an enemy machine gun and killed three of the enemy. Inspired by this display of intrepid courage, his platoon rose to the challenge, remaining steadfast in the face of the enemy, inflicting over fifty casualties upon them. Though in combat for the first time, First Lieutenant McCarron through unimpeachable valor and inspiring leadership dire3cted his platoon in a devastating attack against numerically superior enemy forces which resulted in neutralizing the enemy threat. First Lieutenant McCarron’s gallant actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.