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 Major (Infantry) Earl Campbell Horan, 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. Major Horan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam as an Advisor to a Army of South Vietnam provisional reconnaissance force in III Corps, in action against the enemy on 29 June 1969. On that date, Major Horan was accompanying a force of reconnaissance troops who entered an area searching for reported enemy concentrations. He established his unit in an attack position and led them in an assault which hit a number of widely scattered suspected enemy positions. Major Horan immediately came under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, but continued to lead the assault until the enemy began to withdraw from the contact area. He then reorganized his unit, coordinated their attack with other units and personally led them in a pursuit of the enemy. During the pursuit, a friend soldier near Major Horan was hit by enemy machine gun fire. He immediately exposed himself to the hostile fire, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, carried the wounded soldier to a covered position. He continued to direct the attack and pursuit, constantly exposing himself to the enemy fie until the action was completed. As a result of his singularly impressive display of battlefield courage, an inspired Vietnamese force achieved a hard won victory over a tenacious enemy. Major Horan’s conspicuous gallantry In action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.