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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Trundle Griffin, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Griffin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in action against the enemy during a search and destroy operation in the coastal forests 15 miles northeast of Phan Thieu, in 1967. While scouting the area, Lieutenant Colonel noticed that a scout helicopter had wounded a Viet Cong machine gun crew, and decided to land and secure the weapon before it could be retrieved by the enemy. Supported by his own helicopter and scout ships, he and three other officers landed 25 meters from the enemy position. Once on the ground, the enemy opened fire from a concealed position, pinning down the three officers. Although numerically at a disadvantage, the command group returned fire with such intensity that they were able to gain fire superiority, assault the position, and overcome the enemy force. Minutes later a company platoon air assaulted to help secure the area. A thorough search confirmed eight Viet Cong dead and three wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Griffin, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.