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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William George Koutrouba (ASN: RA-11363661), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Koutrouba distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 7 December 1968, while serving as Senior Medical Aidman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during an enemy attack. When his unit’s perimeter came under an intense enemy mortar attack and several casualties were sustained, Sergeant Koutrouba exposed himself to the hostile barrage as he left the security of his bunker and crossed an open area to administer first aid to the wounded soldiers. Realizing that the casualties needed to be evacuated to a more secure area, he utilized a nearby truck. Although enemy mortar rounds were exploding within the proximity of his position, Sergeant Koutrouba continued with his mission and successfully evacuated the wounded personnel. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William George Koutrouba (ASN: RA-11363661), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Koutrouba distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 17 January 1969, while serving as Senior Medical Aidman of Company B, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during a combat mission in Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and sustained several casualties, Staff Sergeant Koutrouba exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he moved to a forward fighting position to administer first aid and evacuate the wounded personnel. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Koutrouba moved to within ten meters of the enemy positions to retrieve the wounded soldiers. His actions undoubtedly saved the lives of several soldiers. Staff Sergeant Koutrouba’s gallant actions is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.