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 Second Lieutenant (Armor) Richard T. Hudkins, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 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 conducting a reconnaissance mission suspected enemy movement was detected in the dense rubber groves. The troop was formed on line with Lieutenant Hudkins’ platoon on the left flank. As the troop proceeded toward the enemy it began to receive an intense barrage of rocket propelled grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire from the well-entrenched enemy. The formation was threatened due to the casualties they were sustaining so Lieutenant Hudkins moved his assault vehicle in front of his platoon to maintain maximum control over them. While the vehicle was in this exposed position it received numerous hits from rocket propelled grenades which mortally wounded the driver, the left gunner and seriously wounded the right gunner. As Lieutenant Hudkins was climbing out of his cupola another rocket propelled grenade struck directly against the cupola throwing him into the dense vegetation unconscious and bleeding profusely. The troop was withdrawing from the immediate area to allow air strikes and artillery to be directed upon the enemy entrenchments. The medics had evacuated wounded personnel but were unaware that Lieutenant Hudkins was still lying near his disabled vehicle. Within a short period of time he regained consciousness and he realized he was alone in the center of the enemy concentration. He mounted an abandoned but still operational vehicle and drove it into the jungle unaware of his direction since he had received numerous lacerations and lost considerable blood. Lieutenant Hudkins vainly attempted to rejoin his troop but collapsed from his state of shock. He was found three days later by a friendly patrol and immediately evacuated. Second Lieutenant Hudkins’ 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.