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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Billy T. Hatfield (ASN: 0-5304451), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam on 13 July 1964, and serving as an Intelligence Advisor to a Chief of a Vietnamese Sector. Upon learning that a district headquarters in a Vietnamese city was under heavy attack by a hostile force of approximately seven hundred, Captain Hatfield unhesitatingly volunteered to participate in the support effort to relieve the besieged city. He bravely placed himself in a lead position to advise his Vietnamese counterparts and, as the support element neared its objective, it was suddenly ambushed by an overwhelming number of enemy troops which delivered a devastating volume of intense gun fire from well-prepared positions. Then, with fortitude, determination, and complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Hatfield exposed himself to this barrage of weapons fire while assisting in reorganizing the unit and encouraging the friendly troops to pursue their objectives. Although subjected to the onslaught of enemy gun fire, he courageously continued his advisory efforts until mortally wounded. Captain Hatfield’s conspicuous gallantry in action is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.