Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Armor)

    Batallion:

    2d Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    April 15, 1969

    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 1636 (June 30, 1969)

    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 (Armor) Harold Barr Palmer, III (ASN: OF-112483), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 15 April 1969, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Troop E, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while friendly elements were conducting a reconnaissance-in-force mission, they suddenly came under intense small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a large, well-concealed enemy force. During the ensuing battle the tank in front of Lieutenant Palmer’s was hit by an anti-tank rocket, seriously wounding the entire crew. Unhesitatingly, Lieutenant Palmer dismounted his tank and dashed to the aid of the wounded crew. Disregarding the hostile fire to which he was exposed, he directed the rescue and evacuation of the wounded soldiers. After hearing the order to regroup, Lieutenant Palmer quickly rallied a crew to remove the tank from the area of contact. When another tank was hit by an anti-tank rocket, he again dismounted his vehicle and ran through the enemy fusillade to the damaged tank. After assisting the wounded as well as he could, Lieutenant Palmer took command of the vehicle and brought it and the wounded crew out of the contact area. First Lieutenant Palmer’s outstanding courage and unwavering 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.