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 Specialist Fourth Class William Lee Anderson (ASN: RA-11883260), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Anderson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1969 while serving as Team Leader with Company B, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission outside Thu Thua in Long An Province. When his platoon was ambushed by an enemy force with rockets, grenades, automatic weapons, and small arms, two of his comrades were wounded. Braving heavy enemy fire, Specialist Anderson crawled to within ten meters of the enemy machine gun emplacement. In order to provide covering fire for a medical Aidman attempting to reach the wounded men, he continually exposed himself to the enemy barrage. Thus he enabled the medical aid to save the lives of the two men and contributed greatly to the defeat of the enemy force. Specialist Fourth Class Anderson’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.