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 Specialist Fourth Class William A. Faulkner, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 21 January 1970 while serving as a gunner on an armored cavalry assault vehicle with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while serving as a reaction force, Troop B suddenly came under intense enemy fire of mortars, recoilless rifle, rockets, automatic weapons and small arms fire. As his troop deployed against the enemy, he spotted an enemy grenade team at the rear of the troop. Specialist Faulkner immediately eliminated them with accurate fire from his machine gun. As the troop moved over the enemy positions, Specialist Faulkner jumped from theirhis vehicle to clear the bunkers of enemy troops. As Specialist Faulkner approached one of the bunkers, an enemy soldier threw a grenade at him. He immediately charged the enemy position and subdued the enemy soldier in hand-to-hand combat. Specialist Faulkner then continued to search the bunkers for enemy troops until the enemy broke contact. Specialist Faulkner’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.