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 Kerry W. Nelson (ASN: 55846936), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company M, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Nelson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 May 1967, while serving as gunner on a tank participating in a convoy proceeding along Highway 1 near Soui Cat, Republic of Vietnam. As the convoy moved down the road, it suddenly came under intense recoilless rifle, mortar, and automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire from a Viet Cong force located along the road in the thick underbrush. During the initial burst of enemy fire, the tank in which Private Nelson was riding was hit by an anti-tank rocket, seriously wounding him and causing total blindness. Ignoring his critical wounds, Private Nelson courageously moved to the loader’s position and began treating the injured loader. After rendering medical aid to his comrade, Private Nelson began to load the 90 millimeter main gun and aided in firing canister rounds into the midst of the charging Viet Cong. At one point in the conflict, Private Nelson left the turret of the tank and hurled grenades at the insurgents by utilizing verbal commands from his commander. Private Nelson’s indomitable courage and complete disregard for personal safety were an inspiration to all those with whom he served and contributed significantly to the overwhelming defeat of the enemy force. Private First Class Nelson’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with a numerically superior Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.