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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Mortimer Lelane O’Connor (ASN: 0-68666), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 1 April 1968. On this date, Lieutenant Colonel O’Connor was serving as the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, participating in a reconnaissance in force operation approximately 60 kilometers southwest of their Quan Loi Base Camp. At approximately 1300 hours, the forward element of the friendly force approached a suspected Viet Cong base camp and was immediately subjected to intense machine gun, automatic weapons and small arms fire from the well entrenched insurgent positions, pinning down the lead platoon. Colonel O’Connor, who was moving with the headquarters element behind the lead company, immediately assessed the situation and personally set out to lead the remaining elements along the woodline in an attempt to disperse the enemy force. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he continually exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he moved the friendly elements forward, while at the same time directing their fire at the well-concealed enemy positions. The relief force led by Colonel O’Connor reached the forward element and was able to relieve the pinned down platoon, but in leading the men, Colonel O’Connor was mortally wounded. His gallant and determined efforts undoubtedly saved numerous friendly lives and contributed significantly to the ultimate defeat of the large Viet Cong force. Lieutenant Colonel O’Connor’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Mortimer Lelane O’Connor (ASN: 0-68666), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8 December 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Colonel O’Connor was serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. His unit was participating in a search and destroy operation near Bo Duc, in a dense, enemy-infested jungle of War Zone C near the Cambodian border. While established in their night defensive position, the battalion began receiving heavy mortar barrages and massive ground attacks. When the initial mortar barrage began, Colonel O’Connor started directing the movement of the battalion headquarters personnel to their respective positions. Not until every man had reached his position did he seek cover for himself. Approximately 15 minutes after the initial mortar attack, the Viet Cong began a fierce ground attack. Although the entire area was raked by small arms, rocket and mortar fire, Colonel O’Connor, with total disregard for his own personal safety, left his relatively safe position and exposed himself to the intensive hostile fire as he sought a vantage point from which to command his battalion. He remained exposed for over three hours as he directed his three rifle companies and coordinated artillery and aerial fire support. On two occasions, the enemy succeeded in scoring direct hits on the battalion operations center, inflicting casualties in the command group and extensively damaging the command post. Although completely exposed to this fire on both occasions, Colonel O’Connor refused to leave his vantage point. Throughout the entire battle, he maintained complete control of his elements, despite the direct hit on the command post. His dauntless courage and calm manner constantly inspired the men of his unit. His command ability and thorough knowledge of infantry tactics and techniques were the primary factor in holding friendly casualties to a minimum while routing the Viet Cong. Lieutenant Colonel O’Connor’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.