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 Captain (Armor) Gerald T. Cole, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 25 November 1969 while serving as the Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date he was directing his men into a night defensive position when he received word of enemy movement in the area. He quickly organized a reaction force and led it toward the suspected enemy positions. Suddenly the armored column came under intense hostile fire. Captain Cole immediately directed his vehicle into position to assault the enemy. As he advanced, he was wounded by an exploding enemy rocket-propelled grenade. Despite his painful wounds, he shouted directions and encouragement to his men until they had overrun and destroyed the hostile positions. Captain Cole’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.