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 Sergeant John W. Kimble, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 29 April 1969 while serving as a tank commander with the 919th Engineer Company (Armored), 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while the company was moving through dense jungle with elements of the Regiments 1st Squadron, the friendly force encountered a heavily-fortified enemy bunker complex. As the friendly armored elements entered the hostile base camp Sergeant Kimble’s tank came under intense enemy automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire wounding two of his fellow crew members. Unable to evacuate the casualties by himself Sergeant Kimble disregarding the hostile fusillade immediately began administering first aid to the wounded men. When he had given them all the medical assistance he could he began covering the enemy positions with suppressive fire from the machine guns and main gun of this tank. After he had helped prepare the two wounded soldiers for evacuation Sergeant Kimble returned to his vehicle and single-handedly loaded and fired the tank to provide covering fire for the evacuation team. When replacements for his wounded comrades arrived he directed his tank into the front of the hostile fortifications. Sergeant Kimble’s outstanding courage, devotion to duty and deep concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.